Posts Tagged ‘Ryan Torain’

Redskins young players Torain, Armstrong, Banks, Williams show promise

October 24, 2010

Redskins receiver Anthony Armstrong signs an autograph after Washington's 27-24 loss to Indianapolis Sunday at FedEx Field. Photo by Mike Frandsen.

The Redskins may be the oldest team in the NFL, but Washington has some young players contributing this year more than in recent seasons.  Brandon Banks is electrifying as a punt and kick returner.  Ryan Torain had 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns against Indianapolis, and backup running back Keiland Williams had four receptions including one for a touchdown.  Receiver Anthony Armstrong also made five catches.

Maybe the decisions not to sign Brian Westbrook and T.J. Houshmandzadeh weren’t so bad after all, because it allowed the Redskins to give playing time to younger players.

And as badly as the Redskins have drafted in recent years, they have hit on their last three first round picks:  left tackle Trent Williams, who shut down Dwight Freeney, linebacker Brian Orakpo, who had Washington’s only sack against Peyton Manning, and safety LaRon Landry, who made 11 tackles against Indianapolis to add to his team-leading total of 63.

To see the rest of my article on Examiner.com, click here.

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Redskins could regret decision to not sign running back Brian Westbrook, who went to 49ers

August 18, 2010

Mike Shanahan and the Redskins walked away from a chance to sign running back Brian Westbrook, who signed with the 49ers. (Photo by Mike Frandsen)

The Redskins made a decision that might end up haunting them for years, letting Brian Westbrook sign with the San Francisco 49ers Monday despite the fact that Washington has no established third down running back.

In a passing league that necessitates a running back who specializes in catching the ball and getting yards after the catch, the Redskins will apparently go with Ryan Torain, who has played two NFL games, out of the backfield in third down situations.

The Redskins should have signed Westbrook.

It’s not as if Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson are awful at catching the ball. However, they are a far cry from the third down specialists that every successful team needs to have. Portis is a good blocker but has never distinguished himself as a good receiving back. Willie Parker is even worse. Parker had only nine receptions the last two seasons combined even though he carried the ball 308 times.

To read the rest of my article on Examiner.com, click here.

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