Donovan McNabb assumed an offseason trade from Philadelphia to Washington would result in fewer pass attempts this season. That hasn’t been the case, though, as the Redskins’ running game has sputtered out of the gate.
But Clinton Portis could jump-start the ground attack on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams (0-2), who have lost 10 straight and have major issues stopping the run.
McNabb spent the first 11 years of his career playing in the Eagles’ pass-happy West Coast offense, but was traded to Washington (1-1) on Easter Sunday after months of speculation regarding his future.
In the aftermath of the trade, McNabb made an off-the-cuff remark at his introductory press conference about playing on a team that made a sincere commitment to the running game.
There's only one small problem: The running game is non-existent this season. Portis has managed just 96 yards in two games and the Redskins (1-1) are averaging 53.5 rushing yards – last in the NFL.
Therefore, McNabb has been forced to throw more than he envisioned. McNabb was 28 of 38 for 426 yards and a touchdown in last week’s 30-27 overtime loss to Houston. He has attempted 70 passes in two games.
Meanwhile, Portis carried 13 times for 33 yards against Houston, and the absence of a running attack played a part in Washington squandering a 10-point fourth-quarter lead.
There should be plenty of running room for Portis at St. Louis, which has allowed 280 yards on the ground thus far – the third-worst total in the league. The Rams were steamrolled by Darren McFadden last week to the tune of 145 yards on 30 carries in a 16-14 loss to Oakland.
St. Louis has lost 27 of its last 28 and 44 of its previous 50 contests. The Rams’ last win came against Detroit on Nov. 1, 2009.
Top overall pick Sam Bradford threw two touchdowns to Mark Clayton on Sunday but is learning on the job. The former Heisman Trophy winner has passed for 420 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.
Bradford could use a big game from Steven Jackson, who has averaged just 3.8 yards per carry over the first two games and has yet to find the end zone.
His breakout performance may not come against Washington, however. Although the Redskins are allowing a league-worst 453 yards per game, they rank eighth in rushing defense (80.5 ypg).
Washington’s defense is run by Jim Haslett, who went 2-10 as the Rams’ interim head coach in 2008. Haslett’s new 3-4 defense has caused problems with tackle Albert Haynesworth, who was inactive last weekend due to an ankle injury.
His status for Sunday is uncertain.
Also uncertain is the availability of Washington rookie offensive tackle Trent Williams. The fourth overall pick, Williams suffered a knee injury in last week’s loss.
This will be the third meeting in as many seasons. The Redskins won 9-7 in Washington last year.