Redskins Reality Checks: Realistic predictions for Week 6 vs. the Panthers
By Tim Payne
3. Reality is, Jay Gruden and Alex Smith need to get on the same page…quickly.
Monday night it seemed eminently clear that Jay Gruden (as play caller) and Alex Smith just weren’t in rhythm, together. Almost everything Jay called resulted in someone being open, but it seemed that it was to the opposite side of the field to where Alex looked first, meaning he rarely had time to get all the way through the progression.
One could assume that means Alex was simply misreading the defense, but given the way the offense is designed, I don’t think it’s that simple. I think they were just out of sync, with Gruden looking to be aggressive when Smith felt a more steady hand was needed, and Smith looking to be aggressive when Gruden called a play better suited to the quicker read.
This type of performance should not necessarily be a surprise for a new quarterback in their fourth game in an offensive system. It takes time to build that chemistry between quarterback and play caller. But the Redskins can’t afford to have that lack of chemistry continue. Gruden talked about needing to make Alex more comfortable and calling plays that helped him get more comfortable. I will be eagerly watching to see if he’s able to do that on Sunday.
Prediction: There will be a collective sigh of relief after this week, as the Redskins offense, especially Alex Smith, will look much more comfortable and in-sync. Look for more quick-game in the passing attack and more tempo altogether this week. Expect the Redskins to use quick passes to set up the running game against the aggressive front of Carolina.