Washington Redskins: Jay Gruden not unraveled, but almost out of options

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden tries not to show it, but he knows he’s running out of time, and options for any shot at the playoffs.

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is in awe. Entering the second half of the NFL 2017 season, Jay Gruden, along with every other Redskins fan, would have never imagined such a robust list of injuries.

When speaking with the media Monday, Washington Post reporter Liz Clarke captured the one quote that sums up Gruden’s current situation:

"“If we’d go out to practice tomorrow, I don’t know who my left tackle would be…I really don’t have one right now.”"

The Post reported  in the wake of Sunday’s 39-19 loss, the Redskins now have nine starters and four key backups that are injured.  To make matters worse, the Redskins are back on the road for Week 8 as they face the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks beat the Houston Texans Sunday 41-38 and are No.1 in the NFC West.

That game will be a lot like this game: Survive and win if possible.

The Redskins need to change up their play calling if they don’t want to get embarrassed Week 8.  That means embracing the run game all four quarters, and not abandoning it so quickly. It seems that as soon as things don’t go well with the run game, they immediately revert to the pass game, and never give it a second look. Given the fact that none of the wide receivers are actively engaged, the tight ends are  “iffish” in catches, and the lead receiver is a running back, it’s time for some changes. That means making some tough decisions.

You want me to say it? Okay. Play Chris Thompson more and get aggressive with that thought. Keep playing Jamison Crowder and by all means, do something to fix that offensive line. Oh yeah, Kirk Cousins needs to get rid of that ball like, yesterday.

Jay Gruden has ran out of time for the formalities. I’m not bitter, are you interested?