Redskins Realistic Predictions Week 7: Ready to get off the Tilt-A-Whirl?
By Tim Payne
4. Reality Is, Alex Smith needs to build on the good plays and not the bad ones.
The Carolina game was a perfect microcosm of the season Alex Smith has put together, so far. He had some incredible plays and some head-scratchers. The Redskins pulled off the win thanks to his first half and in spite of his second half.
The first touchdown pass to Vernon Davis was set up by a beautiful fake with his eyes and shoulders to get the safeties to bite to the right side. The touchdown to Paul Richardson as well as beautiful dime he dropped to Richardson on the run later in the game both showed off Smith’s ability to slide in the pocket, avoid pressure, and hit a receiver working to the open spot.
Smith also missed a few blatantly open receivers, developed happy feet at times, and simply has not looked comfortable either in the pocket or on the move for long stretches of each game so far this season.
Must Read. Redskins Injury Report - Crowder out, Richardson doubtful. light
We should expect Smith, the veteran that he is, to build off the successful plays (and use similar concepts moving forward as well) and to avoid significant misses and miscues. He should even out his performance against the Cowboys and keep the Redskins in the game because of quick and correct decision-making.
Prediction: Dallas’ pass rush will be effective against Smith, but won’t get home against him nearly as much as feared. Smith will look more comfortable in the pocket than in previous weeks, and Gruden will also dial up more designed activity for Smith via bootlegs, RPO’s, designed runs, speed options, etc.
Smith will have his most complete and consistent game of the season. 21-for-28 for 240 yards, a TD, one pick, and 8 rushes for 40 yards.