ESPN Insider: Scouts, Inc.-'Skins Impress with Commitment to Run

[SmootSmack]

One of the most impressive things coming out of the Redskins' win over the Buccaneers was their efficiency in, and commitment to, the run game.

The Redskins made no secret that they wanted to establish a run-first, pass-second mentality. They ran the patented Joe Gibbs counter-trey play almost to perfection and also utilized three-tight-end sets and motion with H-backs.

Last season, Washington's offensive line put on an awful display of blocking with very unsound blocking schemes. Against a good Bucs' run defense, though, this unit came off the ball strong and maintained balance and contact while finishing all of their blocks. They did an excellent job of "influencing" the Bucs linebackers, who overran several plays in an effort to stop the counter trey. RB Clinton Portis did an excellent job of making quick decisions, changing direction and using his open-field running skills on the second level.

The Redskins only passed for 125 yards, but their improved run game will set up the passing game and give Brunell opportunities to make play-action a factor in the offense. Defenses that put eight men in the box to stop Portis really run the risk of giving up big plays on the perimeter to WRs Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner against man-to-man coverage.