As we wrote yesterday, the Redskins have decided to replace Antwaan Randle El with CB DeAngelo Hall as the team’s primary punt returner. Considering the punchless offense and the need for help from the special teams, the only question is why this move wasn’t made long ago. The answer, of course, is that the Redskins are not run properly. Read it.

With TE Chris Cooley on the shelf for at least another month, TE Fred Davis is determined to seize the opportunity provided by extra playing time. He canceled his bye week vacation plans to stay at Redskins Park and work on his blocking, which was atrocious in the team’s Monday night loss to Philadelphia.

And blocking has not come naturally. That’s why he stuck around with tight ends coach Scott Wachenheim during the bye week. He focused on Davis’ footwork and hand placement.

“I’m strong enough to block somebody,” Davis said. “I’m not a weak guy. It’s not a matter of how strong a guy is. If the guy gets under your pads, he’s going to win.

“People say, ‘He can’t block.’ But I got thrown in there and I wasn’t a good blocker, but I know I can be. Sometimes your role changes and I’m ready to adjust. There are very few great blocking tight ends in the league. You just have to get the job done. That’s what I’m trying to do now. The pass catching is natural. I’m not worried about that.”

The obvious question why is Davis so poor with footwork and hand placement? He’s not a rookie anymore. What was he doing during the entire offseason, training camp and preseason? This is Pop Warner stuff he’s learning. What has the coaching staff been doing with this kid?

Read and discuss the best way to protest the evil reign of Dan Snyder. Read it.

The bye week gives players a chance to come back with a renewed sense of optimism, but few people at Redskins Park seem in the dark about what they’re facing with a much tougher schedule coming up.

“It’s going to be a tough November for us,” receiver Malcolm Kelly said, “but if we don’t make many mistakes we have a shot.”

I think a better way to put it would be: “If we keep playing like we have, we will be shot.” Indeed, the schedule is about to get MUCH tougher.

The Redskins’ four November games come against teams with a combined 20-8 record, including three teams that lead or are tied for their division lead – Denver (6-1), Philadelphia (5-2) and Dallas (5-2). First up this Sunday is Atlanta, which fell to 4-3 after losing to New Orleans on Monday night.
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“It’s going to be tough, no doubt,” center Casey Rabach said. “We’re over our easy part of the schedule, which wasn’t so easy, and now on to the tough part. We have to prepare like normal and go out and try to play good football.”

It’s not a subject Defensive Coordinator Greg Blache wishes to discuss, but clearly DT Albert Haynesworth is making DE Andre Carter a better pass rusher, CB Justin Tryon a better coverage man and others better at whatever it is they are supposed to be doing. Read it.

As expected, LB H.B. Blades and CB Byron Westbrook will miss this Sunday’s game in Atlanta against the Falcons. Both suffered meniscus tears and had surgery a week ago. LT Stephon Heyer’s health is improving and he should be able to start on Sunday. Not sure if that’s a promise or a threat. Read it.