Redskins: Five bold predictions for Week 12 vs. the Detroit Lions
By Ian Cummings
No. 4 – Redskins offensive line allows just one sack
The Redskins offensive line was the subject of harsh criticism after the team’s 34-17 loss to the New York Jets; the unit allowed six sacks on Dwayne Haskins, and there was frequent communication issues with Haskins over protections and other fine details. The performance led to Haskins’ much-scrutinized incident on the sideline, where he implored his linemen to find a collaborative solution.
Many onlookers saw Haskins as an instigator in the aforementioned situation, but veteran lineman Donald Penn was encouraged by the rookie’s actions, acknowledging that the Redskins offensive line needs to do better, in order to make things easier for the rookie. The team’s offensive line isn’t a bottom-tier unit; they have the talent to improve from week-to-week, with the right mindset.
With Trent Williams gone as the offensive line’s leader, Penn has likely assumed that role, and this week, along with some positive reinforcement from former line coach Bill Callahan, Penn will get his line mates back on the same page with Haskins, and they’ll work to shore up communication issues for the Detroit game, cutting down on sacks by almost one-hundred percent.
It helps that the Lions are also No. 28 in the NFL in sacks, with just 20.0 total quarterback takedowns in ten games. They haven’t been particularly efficient at getting to the quarterback, and with the Redskins offensive line motivated to rebound after last week, be on the lookout for a stark decrease in sacks. It’s also worth noting that Haskins can work on extending plays further and throwing the ball away when the pressure takes away his options, so look for him to work on this part of his game as well.