Sep 19, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) attempts a pass against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Redskins 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

Defense: The Redskins linebacker core will be without arguably their best player in Brian Orakpo, who was lost for the season in the first half against the St. Louis Rams. Orakpo tore his left pectoral muscle while making a tackle, then ran to the sidelines in obvious pain.  The defense will also be without defensive end Adam Carriker for the remainder of the year, who went down with a knee injury early in St. Louis.  It is a possibility that former Clemson standout Jarvis Jenkins could fill the roll for Carriker, while Rob Jackson and Chris Wilson compete for Orakpo’s roster spot

RG3: After only giving up one interception against a tough Rams defense, Griffin III with have a much easier time throwing the ball against the Bengals, who rank 30th in yards given up(434.5) and 29th in points allowed(35.5).  Rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick will be alert, but may not be able to keep up with veteran Pierre Garcon if his foot is fully healed

Special Teams: After last week’s blocked punt, you better believe that the Bengals will be taking extra time to review Danny Smith’s squad, who have allowed two blocked punts in as many games, one being returned for a touchdown. The Redskins must execute their punt coverage assignments in practice this week, or else Sav Rocca might be on the ground more than we like

Coaching: While both teams have an excellent pass attack, run game, and decent defense, this game will ultimately come down to coaching.  Both teams have respected veteran coaches in Mike Shanahan and Marvin Lewis, and one will out-smart the other to win the game.

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Probably true. Looking at the twelve playoff teams from last year (NYJ, IND, KC, BAL, NE, PITT, GB, PHI, NO, SEA, ATL, CHI), while there are some questionable franchise QBs (Flacco, Vick, Cutler and Cassel), only Seattle has a definitive lack of a franchise QB. Sure seems that in order to win in the NFL, you need a franchise QB.

So why did the Redskins not draft our next franchise QB? We had opportunities to get one of the top rated QBs on the board (Gabbert), or one of the definite second-tier-but-still-pretty-good-upside guys. So what’s up, Mike?

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This painting will probably be displayed in Dan Snyder's home soon.

All Blackstreet references aside, in D.C. the money paid out by Dan Snyder has almost never equaled the play on the field or the love and respect received from fans. If you think about the Redskins right now, and the players that most fans love and adore, who are they? A general consensus can probably be reached on Chris Cooley, Brian Orakpo, DeAngelo Hall, Mike Sellers, Brandon Banks, Phillip Daniels (especially after this week), London Fletcher and the list could go on. Most of the guys I just mentioned were brought in either through the draft or free agency in “regular” deals. They aren’t here as a result of a blockbuster trade or a 100 million dollar contract (or a new $80 million contract). The Redskins problem has been, as many of us know, trying to buy championships. In the NFL big dollars don’t necessarily equate with wins.

Do the best players in the NFL generally get paid more than the average? Yes, of course. But my issue is with Danny just bringing in guys who were great within their own team and expecting them to just magically adapt to the Redskins. Shall we make a list? (more…)