As the Washington Redskins look to make moves in free agency and the draft this offseason, they should be aware of these numbers, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information, that need improving:
First down
The number: The Redskins ranked 29th in the NFL by averaging 4.55 yards on first-down plays. A big part of that stems from their run game. The Redskins averaged 3.17 yards per carry on first down, last in the NFL.
Why it matters: Of the last seven teams in this category, all finished with a losing record. Of the top eight teams in this category, six finished with double-digit wins.
How they can improve: Be more aggressive throwing the ball on first down. Look at the teams that had the most gains of 20-plus yards on first down: New England, Atlanta, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Rams. All like to attack, but they do so on this down because it’s smart. You can regulate defenses more -- as the Redskins liked to do with their two-tight end package. Meanwhile, the Redskins’ 160 pass attempts on first down were second-fewest in the NFL. One note: As Kansas City’s starter since 2013, Alex Smith owned a 100.1 passer rating on first down and a 91.5 rating on all other downs.
Field position
The numbers: Washington allowed the opposition to start 23 drives in its own territory, 29th in the NFL. By comparison, New England allowed only five such drives (with two of them being kneel-downs at the end of a loss). The Redskins allowed the most drives to start inside their own 30-yard line (14).
Why it matters: This should be obvious. The bottom seven teams in this category all finished under .500. And of these seven teams, five finished 26th or worse in points allowed and none finished above 16th.
How they can improve: By taking better care of the ball. Turnovers killed them: There were 11 fumbles -- three on punt returns -- and six interceptions. There was a blocked field goal returned to the 2-yard line. The only time a kickoff resulted in a drive starting in their territory was off an onside kick. And three punts factored in here: one for a touchdown; the other two ended up inside the 50. So, mostly, it goes back to reducing fumbles and interceptions. Again, Smith can help here. Kansas City, with Smith, was one of the best in the NFL at limiting these drives. In his five seasons as a starter -- and it’s not all on the quarterback by any means, but he takes care of the ball -- the Chiefs were second in the NFL with only 72 drives starting in their own territory (compared to 112 for Washington).
Red zone
The numbers: The Redskins ranked 16th in red zone offense, but the real problem was in the run game. Washington ranked 25th in yards per carry in the red zone and 27th in yards after contact. The Redskins were tied for 23rd with five rushing touchdowns by their running backs.
Why it matters: Unless the quarterback play is great in the red zone, then diversity matters. Philadelphia, for example, ran the ball worse than Washington in the red zone -- but the Eagles’ quarterbacks were best in this area with 28 touchdowns to no interceptions.
How they can improve: Don’t assume the quarterback change will result in a lot: In the past three years combined, Cousins ranks 20th in passer rating inside the 20-yard line, with 52 touchdowns to five interceptions; Smith ranks 32nd with 38 touchdowns and four picks. Smith fared better than Cousins last year -- 17th in passer rating compared to 26th. What the Redskins need is a healthy Jordan Reed; in his past 20 games, the tight end has caught 17 touchdown passes in the red zone. Then it’s on the run game. Whether it’s the play design or blocking or the backs, it hasn’t worked here and that must change. They will continue searching for a more dynamic full-time back and that should help in the red zone. It’s definitely needed.
Run defense
The numbers: Washington ranked last in rushing yards allowed and 29th in yards per carry (4.55).
Why it matters: It really matters when the Redskins are in nickel; they allowed an NFL-worst 6.47 yards per carry. But, overall, this stat matters because it’s the worst thing the Redskins do defensively. They ranked in the top half on third downs; in the red zone; net yards per pass attempt; sacks per pass attempt. A big key to improving this defense is stopping the run.
How they can improve: By continuing to improve their line, whether by health (Jonathan Allen), free agency (Bennie Logan?) or the draft (Vita Vea or Da’Ron Payne). They need another strong player to add to the rotation. When Allen was in the game, the opposition averaged only 3.94 yards per carry. And when he was on the field with Mason Foster and Zach Brown, the Redskins held opponents to 2.94 yards per carry. Now you see the impact of Allen missing 11 games. It’s not just about finding a big nose tackle; it’s more about getting more help in their nickel defense, especially along the front. The Redskins already re-signed Foster and, if Brown’s contract wishes decrease, would like to bring him back, too. But, regardless, increasing the talent along the line will make the inside linebackers better.