The Washington Redskins return to work with a late-morning practice for yet another important week early in the season. They're off Tuesday (before you complain, they get a day off per the collective bargaining agreement) and back at it Wednesday. Here are three areas of interest:
The NFC East: It remains a division that will be unpredictable, with the Dallas Cowboys blowing a big lead (the Atlanta Falcons are now 3-0 vs. the NFC East. The Falcons won six games last season) at home and the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the New York Jets. It's not as if the Eagles were overly impressive, but sometimes all a team needs is that first win. But this week will be another where we can say: This will go a long way toward proving what sort of team the Redskins can be this season. I'll be curious to see their approach this week; if they really felt the New York Giants game was an aberration, then the urgency must be felt Monday. That doesn't mean they can't have fun, of course, but they can't hang onto the 13-games-left comments. There's one that matters.
DeAngelo Hall: Redskins coach Jay Gruden will provide an update on Hall's sprained toe after practice -- if there is one yet (he's going to see a foot specialist). If Hall has to miss longer than three to four weeks, it'll be a big loss for Washington. It's not just that he was starting to play well but the fact that their depth has been depleted. For what it's worth, David Amerson played quite a bit in the Oakland Raiders' win Sunday over the Cleveland Browns as a third corner. But if Hall can't play, they need Justin Rogers and Will Blackmon to provide steady play in the slot. Bashaud Breeland can start, but he's missed a lot of development time this summer. The secondary depth was an issue entering the season and they've already lost two players, including safety Duke Ihenacho. It doesn't help that Jeron Johnson has not been the player they hoped he'd become.
Redskins receivers: If DeSean Jackson can't play Sunday -- and we might not have a good idea if it's truly a possibility until Wednesday --then the Redskins have to figure out a way to produce big plays. Hopefully we can talk Monday to Jackson to get an update and if he practices that's a good first step. But if he can't play, then how can the Redskins help themselves? Jordan Reed has been a weapon, but they need more. They have speed and quickness with Jamison Crowder and speed with Rashad Ross. They both have limitations at this stage of their careers, but both have a skill that can help in some fashion.
