Latest redskins mailbag terrance knighton can still be used vs spread offenses

John KeimJul 26, 2015, 02:41 PM ET

For Part 2 of the Washington Redskins mailbag, we take a look at Terrance Knighton's history vs. spread offenses (the Redskins play some this season -- two vs. Philadelphia and one vs. New England in particular), a camp sleeper, fan frustration and more. Enjoy.

@john_keim What's the plan for pot roast against the no huddle/hurry up offense? #jkmailbag
— Burgess World (@lilburgess83) July 24, 2015

John Keim: Good question and one that I haven't asked anyone just yet. But it would be hard to play Knighton a lot because they'd likely be in a lot of nickel situations against teams such as Philadelphia and New England. However, my guess is he'll still play. Denver played a 4-3, so it's not a direct comparison, but against the Eagles in 2013, Knighton played 40 snaps and vs. New England last season he played 41 (he played 30 against the Colts). Certainly, Denver would have been in nickel looks much of the time, and the Redskins' nickel is more of a 4-3 look. So you can play him in those games and still be OK.

@john_keim who is your sleeper for training camp? #Jkmailbag
— J-Lez (@johnny_lezcano) July 24, 2015

Keim: Not sure I have one sleeper because at this point it seems like it's hard to be under the radar given the round-the-clock, year-round coverage. That said, the guy I've been touting the last few days is running back Trey Williams. One, I know the coaching staff likes him. Two, I like his feet. Three, I have no clue how he'll fare once camp opens. I've seen many running backs look good in the spring only to flame out in the summer. But his style puts him on list of undrafted players I'm intrigued by (tackle Takoby Cofield is another). Let's see where Williams takes this.

@john_keim #jkmailbag Any reason to follow the Skins this year? Danny Snyder is still destroying team from the inside. What has changed?
— Jay Rathborne (@parlin56) July 24, 2015

Keim: Ah, preseason optimism. I don't blame fans for feeling this way; it's been an awful stretch the past 10 years in particular, so I get it. I won't sell fans false optimism because that doesn't do anyone any good. I try to be honest and if I were you, it would be hard not to feel the same. There have been times in the past that moves have been hailed only to see them fail. I like that when they threw darts at the board this offseason they finally hit the one that said, "hire a competent general manager." And I like the moves Scot McCloughan made this offseason and I like some of the coaching staff additions. I like the mindset of the players they've signed. I also know one offseason won't turn this program around and there are still questions about some key areas, such as quarterback and head coach. That and the fact that the Redskins have had only four winning seasons since Snyder bought the team in 1999; good organizations win. But sometimes with this stuff you just never know. If Robert Griffin III ... if the defense... All I can say is hang in there.

@john_keim entering TC, which vet do you believe would be the least surprising cut? and wld it be for cap relief or performance? #jkmailbag
— Paul Cumberland (@Paul_Cumberland) July 24, 2015

Keim: At this point, the cap relief cuts have been made. Entering camp, I wonder about defensive lineman Kedric Golston, tackle Tom Compton and safety Phillip Thomas. But the latter two have not been part of this for long, so it's a little different. Golston has been a solid pro in terms of work ethic, preparation, etc. since 2006. But they've added depth up front and it will depend on how many players they keep up front (six or seven?). As for whether any starters are in this spot, ask me again in a week or two.

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Redskins mailbag: Terrance Knighton can still be used vs. spread offenses