With the Redskins trying hard to find a spot for Ryan Anderson, a report has surfaced that other teams have inquired about a potential trade.
Over the weekend, we highlighted a player on the Washington Redskins defense who could work to find a new role this upcoming season and try to transition to a new position in a 4-3 scheme that is being brought in by Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio. His name is Ryan Anderson, and he had some great showings in 2019. Because of the scheme change, his position might be in question, but with both Rivera and Del Rio’s propensity to bring up his name this offseason, it seemed that there was a spot for him somewhere on the defense.
Or maybe has it been a tactic to boost his trade value? The Athletic’s Ben Standig seems to think it should be, as he’s recently called for the Redskins to trade away Anderson and bring in a position of higher need. According to Standig, other teams have inquired about a potential trade for Anderson.
I’m not proposing adding anyone—the opposite. Specifically, and after conversations with league sources, they should trade Ryan Anderson.
This angle isn’t casting doubt on the fourth-year linebacker, who played inspired football for stretches last season – though he remains a position enigma. Rather, after considering several factors, it’s about acknowledging a reality: Anderson won’t play here in 2021.
With the ability to play on both the defensive line and as an outside linebacker, there are several places where Anderson could fit in, but few where he’d likely rise to the top of the depth chart. He wouldn’t sniff a starting spot at DE with Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Ryan Kerrigan taking up much of the workload, and the linebacker spot is pretty well occupied as well. It may be tough to find playing time if he were to stick around, simply for no other reason that the Redskins are strong enough at the positions not to need him.
Where they do need help is anywhere else on the field. Wide receiver, left tackle, and tight end come to mind, and while they likely won’t receive a viable starter at any of those positions with an Anderson trade, they at least could get something valuable in return for a player that is little more than excess production at this point.
If he sticks around in Washington, Anderson has the skillset to be able to contribute to the defense and find spots to make his presence felt. However, we saw in 2019 that when he’s been given the opportunity, he usually takes advantage of it and puts up numbers. There may be more of an opportunity for Anderson to grow outside of the Redskins organization, which could leave everyone better off down the road.
With the change from 3-4 to 4-3, Anderson’s position might change, but he can still fill a big role on Redskins defense.
One of the surprise impact players for the Washington Redskins during the 2019 season came on defense, with linebacker Ryan Anderson stepping up when called upon. In some limited action, Anderson started in four games and racked up five forced fumbles, four sacks, four tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries.
Now with the defense set to improve even more under new DC Jack Del Rio, there is a place for Anderson to step up, likely in the linebacking corps, as the unit transitions into a 4-3 scheme and tries to find where some players best fit.
Ryan Anderson is someone that Ron and JDR keep bringing up as someone they need to find a position for. While that doesn't sound promising necessarily, I think the fact they continue to mention him is a plus for him
Anderson often played as an outside linebacker/rusher in the 3-4 scheme last year, which will go away in the transition to a new look, but just because his position changes doesn’t mean he can’t find a new spot to provide an impact for the defense. With the front four already stacked, look for Anderson to likely transition to an outside linebacker in the 4-3 and find a hole to fill there.
Former Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson is looking to build off of a solid season in 2019. Will he be able to with a new defensive scheme?
Ryan Anderson was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft to be an important part of the equation for the Washington Redskins.
Through his first two seasons in the league, Anderson only had 29 tackles and two sacks with zero starts, but last season, the former Alabama outside linebacker finally started to make a bigger impact on the field.
In 16 games played with four starts, the 6-foot-2, 255-pound edge player accumulated 40 total tackles, four sacks, one pass deflection and an eye-popping five forced fumbles. He also proved to be an effective early-down, edge-setter as well.
Dec 15, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) attempts to scramble from Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Anderson (52) in the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
With the Redskins now being led by former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, who prefers running a 4-3 defense instead of the 3-4 that Washington has deployed over the last few seasons, it’s a matter of determining how Anderson fits into the plans.
The team has also spent first-round picks in back-to-back drafts on edge players, including Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat in 2019 and Ohio State’s Chase Young in 2020. Combine that with Ryan Kerrigan being on the roster, will Anderson have a chance to build on his performance in 2020?
According to new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, the answer is yes. Here’s what he had to say about Anderson getting more opportunities in the future:
Del Rio said the #Redskins are excited about Ryan Anderson getting more opportunities. Said there will be some "fierce competition" for playing time and roles once they return to practice.
More than likely, Anderson will probably be tested as a strong-side, off-ball linebacker in Washington’s new 4-3 scheme, but it’s a matter of what his spot on the depth chart will look like.
He’s got experience dropping into coverage, both in Washington and during his time at Alabama, but he’ll more than likely be used mostly in run support with lining up in certain situations as an end player on the line of scrimmage.
While he’s did take a step forward as far as getting after the quarterback and forcing turnovers, Anderson still isn’t known as a top pass-rushing presence, so it’ll be interesting to see how and where he’s used in 2020.
Either way, the 25-year-old out of Daphne (Ala.) should continue to be an important part of what Washington wants to do defensively — even if it’s only in certain situations.
Anderson quietly had a great season in 2019, and his expected growth can see him stake a claim on one of the starting LB spots in 2020.
A lot has been made about the Washington Redskins defensive front that they will be deploying when the 2020 NFL season begins and with good reason. However, there is one player who made a splash last year, and the expectations for him are high once again.
We’re talking about Ryan Anderson, an outside linebacker who proved during a couple of games last season that he can be a great addition to the defensive core. He started in four games for the Redskins, totaling five forced fumbles, two fumble recovers, four sacks, and nine QB hits. Going into a new year with a much-improved defense, it can be easy to forget about someone like Anderson, who hasn’t quite gotten the amount of playing time that his talent may deserve, but Washington isn’t looking past him.
Del Rio said the #Redskins are excited about Ryan Anderson getting more opportunities. Said there will be some "fierce competition" for playing time and roles once they return to practice.
With the switch to a 4-3 defense, it’s a bit unclear as to where Anderson will line up when he is playing, but seeing as the defensive end positions are stacked, it seems logical to guess he might slot in at an outside linebacker position.
If he is able to play up to the levels we’ve seen in the last year and continue that going forward, Anderson could step up as one of the better LBs that Washington has on the roster. Don’t sleep on his value going forward.
With the recent decade now suddenly in the rearview mirror, we looked at the top player who defined the 2010s for each team in the NBA.
With the recent decade now suddenly in the rearview mirror, we looked at the top player who defined the 2010s for each team in the NBA.
Atlanta Hawks: Al Horford
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Paul Milsap, Jeff Teague
The Atlanta Hawks were defined by their depth under former head coach Mike Budenholzer. It is what helped their entire starting lineup earn Eastern Conference Co-Players of the Month back in January 2015. But the best player during this era was Al Horford. The big man averaged 15.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game from the 2010-11 season until he left the team during the 2016 offseason.
Boston Celtics: Paul Pierce
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Al Horford, Isaiah Thomas
Even though he won the 2008 NBA championship and the Finals MVP in 2008, Paul Pierce went on to make the Eastern Conference All-Star team three more times this decade. Before he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2013, he was averaging 18.9 points and 5.6 rebounds with 4.1 assists this decade. Pierce even had a chance to officially retire with the organization on a one-day contract in July 2017.
Brooklyn Nets: Brook Lopez
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Deron Williams, Joe Johnson
Before they were the franchise that managed to sign both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the same offseason, the Nets were long led by Brook Lopez. He was a member of the team both in New Jersey and in their move to the new home in Brooklyn back in 2012, which was his first and only career All-Star appearance. During his tenure with the team this decade, the big man put up 19.7 points and 6.6 rebounds as well as 1.7 blocks per game.
Charlotte Hornets: Kemba Walker
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Marvin Williams, Nicolas Batum
During a tough decade for the Hornets, the one thing that kept them alive and interesting was star point guard Kemba Walker. He was a part of the team as a member of the Bobcats and then when they rebranded as the Hornets. Walker was a two-time All-Star as well as a two-time recipient of the NBA Sportsmanship Award. The guard averaged 19.9 points, 5.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game for the team during the decade before he joined the Celtics.
Chicago Bulls: Jimmy Butler
(Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah
When former No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose won MVP in 2011 at 22 years old, fans in Chicago fairly assumed they would have a new defining talent for their city. Unfortunately, serious injuries made the point guard become a less impactful player than projected. However, the blow was softened a bit with the sudden emergence of a late first-round pick in Jimmy Butler. The wing won the league’s Most Improved Player in 2015. He was a difference-maker on both sides of the ball, averaging 15.6 points and 1.5 steals per game with the Bulls.
Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James
(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love
Considering that Cleveland’s hometown hero LeBron James notably left the Cavaliers as a free agent in 2010, few would have expected him to still be the Player of the Decade for this franchise. After such an ugly exit memorialized forever with a public shaming by team owner Dan Gilbert, though, James is a player who more than made up for the first early goodbye when he actually returned in 2014. All that he had to do was win the city’s first championship in any sport since 1948. In the process, he averaged an absurd 26.1 points per game with 7.7 rebounds and 8.0 assists for the Cavs in the 2010s.
Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki
(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Shawn Marion, Luka Doncic
Even though he was drafted in 1998, the undisputed most important in the career of Dirk Nowitzki happened in 2011 when he won a title and NBA Finals MVP. While his best playing days may have been before this decade, he still managed to be a perennial All-Star. The face of the franchise, he also won the league’s award for Teammate of the Year in 2017. His presence was felt, too, during his final season in the league as he helped ease the transition into the new era led by fellow European star Luka Doncic.
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Kenneth Faried, Ty Lawson
The Denver Nuggets may have hit the lottery when they selected Serbian big man Nikola Jokic with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. Jokic is a talent like no other in the league and has become one of the more versatile players in recent memory. He has averaged 16.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the Nuggets and the most exciting part is that he may still plenty of room to improve. At just 24 years old, the center could also be the best player of the decade in the 2020s for the Nuggets as well.
Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Greg Monroe, Blake Griffin
Despite not coming into the league until 2013, Detroit Pistons big man Andre Drummond has the second-most rebounds in the NBA since 2010-11. He has led the NBA in rebounds three times, twice earning All-Star considerations. Drummond has been consistent in his role and despite the team not being much of a contender, he has made his presence felt day in and day out.
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant
The things that Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry was able to accomplish during the 2010s were almost laughable. He was a back-to-back NBA MVP who won the championship three times. Curry led the Warriors to an unbelievable 73-9 regular season while topping the league in scoring and in steals in 2016 as well. He also connected on 3.8 three-pointers per game, which is 0.9 more than the next-best player during the decade. Curry has clearly redefined the way the game is played and is a generational talent unlike any we have ever seen step foot on a basketball court.
Houston Rockets: James Harden
(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Dwight Howard, Clint Capela
There has been no trade recently that changed the league quite like the one that sent the 2012 Sixth Man of the Year winner James Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets. He has been an All-Star every year for Houston and led the league in assists 2017. The guard then led the league in scoring in 2018 as the NBA MVP and then again in 2019. Harden has put up an absurd 29.6 points with 6.0 rebounds and 7.7 assists for the Rockets. In an age of analytics, he has been the darling for general manager Daryl Morey.
Indiana Pacers: Paul George
(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: David West, George Hill
Former Indiana Pacers wing Paul George was a four-time All-Star with the franchise, winning NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2013. The two-way star also received All-Defensive team honors three times while with the team. He averaged 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game for Indiana during his team with the Pacers. One of the other best factors about George is that his trade allowed Indiana’s front office to acquire two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo and potential first-time All-Star big man Domantis Sabonis.
LA Clippers: Chris Paul
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan
Before there was Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the Clippers, there was Lob City. None of the success happening for the franchise now would be possible if it weren’t for Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. The tide was turning when Griffin was drafted in 2009 and won Rookie of the Year in 2011. But it was solidified when they traded for CP3 in December 2011. Paul averaged an impressive 18.8 points and 9.8 assists with 2.2 steals per game when he was a member of the Clippers. He made the All-Star team five times in Los Angeles and twice led the NBA in assists during that time.
Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant
(Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Pau Gasol, LeBron James
Unlike with Nowitzki, the peak accomplishments for Kobe Bryant occurred before 2010. But even during this decade, he added another NBA title to his arsenal and an All-Star appearance each year before retiring in 2016. Bryant averaged 24.2 points per game for the Lakers starting in 2010-11, which was above average for someone who was his age. Of course, there was little more memorable than Bryant scoring 60 points in his final professional game.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: MARC GASOL
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Mike Conley, Zach Randolph
Former Memphis Grizzlies big man Marc Gasol averaged 15.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists during his time with the Grizzlies this decade. He made three All-Star appearances while a member of the franchise, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. The center was a fixture for Memphis, making the playoffs six times with the Grizzlies. Gasol, a World Cup winner with Spain, eventually won his first NBA title in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors after a midseason trade.
Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: LeBron James, Chris Bosh
While it was obvious that James was the best player on the team, none of The Big 3 era Miami Heat would have been possible if it were not for Dwyane Wade. He was the instrumental player recruiting both James and Chris Bosh to Miami and even gave up more money in the process to allow it to happen. Wade also sacrificed his role as the key star to make room for more touches to both James and Bosh. This led to two more NBA Finals wins for Wade and All-Star appearances between 2010 and 2016. He was also able to come back to the Heat and retire with the franchise.
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been one of the most dominant basketball players in recent memory. He has averaged 19.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game since entering the league. After winning the NBA MVP in 2019, he has followed up with an equally impressive season so far this year. His play has been so sharp that one of the league’s most pressing questions, even now a year and a half away from his eligibility, is what will he decide to do as an upcoming free agent.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Kevin Love, Andrew Wiggins
After trading away Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2014 offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves were able to bounce back in some ways by grabbing No. 1 overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns. He has played the part of one of the elite big men in the NBA, averaging 22.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game since entering the pros. Towns has also made 39.6 percent of his three-point attempts, showing his versatility as an offensive force.
New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Jrue Holiday, Ryan Anderson
His exit may have left a sour taste in the mouth of the New Orleans Pelicans, but Anthony Davis was absolutely stellar during his time with the team. He averaged 23.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game and also led the league in blocks three times. Davis was a six-time All-Star for the Pelicans and while he now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, his return will leave New Orleans in a fine place for the upcoming decade. Not only did the front office get an unreal surplus of draft picks in the deal but Brandon Ingram is playing like a potential superstar.
New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony
(Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)
It was a relatively underwhelming decade for the New York Knicks under team owner James Dolan. The front office mortgaged quite a bit of their future to secure Carmelo Anthony via trade in 2011 despite knowing that the star would become a free agent that offseason. As such, the team was a bit of a one-man show under his leadership. He averaged 24.7 points as well as 7.0 rebounds per game on the Knicks, eventually leaving in 2017.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant
(Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka
The Oklahoma City Thunder somehow drafted three MVP winners who all hit their primes during the 2010s. While none of them is still with the team, the one who made the biggest splash was Kevin Durant. The former No. 2 overall pick put up 28.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while also shooting 38.6 percent from three-point range. Even though point guard Russell Westbrook was the player who had the longest tenure with the team, it was obvious that Oklahoma City was the most successful version of itself with Durant on the roster.
Orlando Magic: Nikola Vucevic
(Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Dwight Howard, Evan Fournier
Orlando Magic big man Nikola Vucevic might be the most underrated NBA player of the decade. He made just one All-Star appearance, finally earning the love last season. While he originally started his career in Philadelphia, he has found a niche in Orlando. The former No. 16 overall pick has averaged 16.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game for the Magic.
Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Ben Simmons, Thaddeus Young
His career may have started off defined by injury but since he has become a healthier player, there have been few with a higher ceiling than Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. The big man has scored 24.2 points and pulled down 11.6 rebounds per game. He made the NBA All-Rookie First Team his first year in the league back in 2017. He has made the All-Star team, All-NBA Second Team and All-Defensive Second Team in both years since.
Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker
(Photo by Barry Gossage NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Goran Dragic, PJ Tucker
The Phoenix Suns have not had a decade many fans will want to look back on with fond memories. But the one takeaway is that there is at least some hope for the future due to the scoring punch of Devin Booker. He has been able to put up 21.7 points and 4.5 assists per game since he entered the NBA just two days before his 19th birthday. Booker put up 70 points back in March 2017 and at just 20 years old, he was the youngest player to put up 60 points in an NBA game. Back in March 2019, Booker had three games in a row where he scored at least 48 points.
Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard
(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: LaMarcus Aldridge, CJ McCollum
There are few players in NBA history who have embraced their team’s city quite like Trail Blazers star has welcomed Portland into his life. After he was drafted No. 6 overall in 2012, he has turned his the Blazers into one of the most consistent contenders in the league. Lillard, who won Rookie of the Year his first season in the pros, is a four-time All-Star. He was honored with All-NBA 1st Team consideration in 2018 and led Portland to the Western Conference Finals in 2019. He has averaged 23.7 points and 6.4 assists per game for the Trail Blazers during his professional career thus far.
Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Isaiah Thomas, Rudy Gay
While the Sacramento Kings had a disappointing decade in many ways, their most feared player during the 2010s was undeniably DeMarcus Cousins. He was a force to be reckoned with on the Kings, averaging 21.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. He earned All-Rookie First Team honors in 2011 and he then took home All-NBA 2nd Team in 2015 and 2016. The big man was also disciplined and suspended a bit too often for comfort during his time on the Kings, eventually leading to an inevitable divorce of the two parties.
San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard
SAN ANTONIO, TX – (Photo byJoe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker
When he won NBA Finals MVP in 2014, it was clear that former No. 15 overall pick Kawhi Leonard was a special player in this league. But he was able to take his game to the next level during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, also winning back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards for his efforts in 2015 and 2016. Leonard, who led the league in steals in 2015, also came into his own on the offensive side of the floor while before his time in San Antonio came to a surprisingly ugly close that kept him sidelined for the majority of 2017-18.
Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: DeMar DeRozan, Kawhi Leonard
While it was Leonard who was the undisputed best player of the team that won the Toronto Raptors their first NBA championship, veteran point guard Kyle Lowry was the heart and soul of the squad. After the team traded away his longtime teammate DeMar DeRozan during the 2018 offseason, the year was inevitably going to be an emotional rollercoaster for Lowry. But for him to respond by helping Toronto finally carry the Larry O’Brien trophy was an effort that solidified his place as the Player of the Decade for the Raptors.
Utah Jazz: Rudy Gobert
(Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors
If general fans valued defense the same way they value offense, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert would be considered one of the Top 10 players in the NBA. After he led the league in blocks back in 2017, the French big went on to win Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and in 2019. Gobert has actually averaged 2.2 blocks per game since entering the league in 2013. He has also pulled down 10.8 rebounds per game and has connected on 63.4 percent of his total field goal attempts.
Washington Wizards: John Wall
(Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Honorable Mentions: Bradley Beal, Marcin Gortat
Before his recent injury trouble, Washington Wizards point guard John Wall was an electrifying player. He has averaged 19.0 points and 9.2 assists for the Wizards since going No. 1 overall in the 2010 NBA draft. He made the All-Star team from 2014 until 2018, also grabbing All-Defensive 2nd Team honors in 2015 and All-NBA 3rd Team in 2017. Wall has averaged 1.7 steals per game, too, showing he can be a defensive stopper. Now he is on a tough contract, though he initially earned it with his previously fantastic play.
The “NFL Freaks of the Week” is a weekly poll on the Alabama football twitter account
The “NFL Freaks of the Week” is a weekly poll on the Alabama football twitter account, that lets fans vote for an NFL offensive and defensive freak of the week from the previous week’s matchups.
Last week, Derrick Henry and Kareem Jackson were the Freaks of the week.
Let’s see who the fans voted for this week!
Offensively, these were the four candidates twitter got to vote on:
The third-year LB had a better day on Sunday than Kerrigan has had all season, and it could lead to a contract decision for the Redskins.
There was doom and gloom in Washington when it was announced that the Redskins star linebacker Ryan Kerrigan would miss the remainder of the season as he was being sent to the injured reserve list following a Week 14 calf injury.
However, with all due respect to Kerrigan, he wasn’t missed much on Sunday, as the Redskins fell to the Eagles 37-27 at home. In his absence, third-year linebacker Ryan Anderson stepped up, and he put on a career performance that nearly aided Washington in a victory celebration at home.
“The main thing today was I just really didn’t want to let [Kerrigan] down,” Anderson said, via The Washington Post. “He’s been talking to me all week, helping me out with the scout and personnel stuff. That game, I played for him. He’s been awesome since I got here. I couldn’t ask for a better guy to mentor me and show me the ropes.”
The five tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles from Anderson on Sunday were better than any single game performance that Kerrigan has had this season, and it came at a great time for the 2017 second-round pick, as the team may start to look for younger options on their roster with an eye towards the future. The 31-year-old Kerrigan is entering the final year of his contract in 2020, where he is due to earn just under $12 million. On the flip side, Anderson’s deal doesn’t expire until 2021, and he’s set to make just under $1.7 million next season.
It’s too small of a sample size to make any major decisions just yet, but if Anderson can keep up the type of play he showed on Sunday, it could be his job to lose going forward, as the team may decide to move on from an aging Kerrigan.
The Redskins couldn’t quite get it done against the Packers on Sunday, but they showed a lot of heart in the loss.
The Washington Redskins were unable to get the job done on the road in Green Bay on Sunday, falling to the Packers, 20-15, officially eliminating them from the playoffs.
It was always going to be a tough win to get, but Washington was forced to play from behind early on with a long string of injuries that depleted the starting lineup for the Redskins.
Through it all, the offense was stagnant but largely mistake-free, and the defense did a great job of keeping future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers in check and holding the Packers to only 20 points on the day. Here are our instant takeaways from the game.
Injuries Steal the Day
It’s long been a joke within the Washington Redskins fanbase that the injury bug is part of the 53-man roster every year, as it plays more of a role on the team than any other player does. That was as true as ever on Sunday against the Packers, and it started early on.
In the second quarter, it was announced that cornerbacks Quinton Dunbar and Fabian Moreau had both suffered hamstring injuries and were questionable to return. Moreau eventually came back into the game, but Dunbar remained questionable. Just a few plays later, running back Derrius Guice — who has battled injuries through his entire career — took a brutal hit to his left leg and fell awkwardly to the turf. He remained there for a minute, then walked off the field under his own power. It was announced at halftime that he would not return to the game.
To start the third quarter, linebacker Ryan Kerrigan pulled up short on a rush attempt around the right edge, favoring his right leg. It was announced that he would miss the rest of the game with a calf injury, but many fear that, by the way that he was walking, it could have something to do with his Achilles tendon.
On top of all of this, QB Dwayne Haskins suffered a leg injury on one of the many hits he took in the first half, but he toughed it out and played throughout the game, although it was obvious that he was injured and less mobile than normal.
The injury bug is ever-present in Washington, but it made the trip with the team to Green Bay this week.
Haskins Shows Heart
It wasn’t a great statistical game for Haskins, but he proved a lot on Sunday. He showed that he is willing to play through immense pain and stick it out for his teammates.
After getting hit several times in the first half, Haskins limped to the locker room, leaving many to call for the team to bench him and bring in Case Keenum for his own well-being. Nonetheless, Haskins started the second half and played for the rest of the game, making a few nice plays along the way. It was announced in the fourth quarter that Haskins was dealing with a sprained ankle, but he was still willing to tough it out, based on the mentality that Bill Callahan had instilled in the team.
At the end of the day, Haskins 170 yards and one touchdown weren’t quite enough to take down the Packers, but in the process, he showed the type of resolve and resiliency that is desired in NFL QBs. It was a good day for the rookie, despite the L on the score sheet.
Adrian Peterson Makes More History
Father time is still left waiting for Peterson to slow down.
After Guice was ruled out with an injury, Peterson took over and scored another touchdown, making him the only player in NFL history to score seven touchdowns at Lambeau Field.
Running back Adrian Peterson now has eight rushing touchdowns at Lambeau Field — most ever by an opposing player and passing former Bear Walter Payton. Peterson's 16 career touchdowns vs. Green Bay is second all-time vs. the Packers, trailing only… https://t.co/M9R6XOylX1
Redskins running back Adrian Peterson became the sixth running back in NFL history to surpass 14,000 career rushing yards. Peterson entered the game needing 40 yards and surpassed that total in the first half. https://t.co/pE0NB5HdvL
Peterson finished the day with 76 yards and 1 touchdown on 20 carries. Depending on how serious Guice’s injury is, AP could be left as the main option in Washington once again. We’ve seen him excel in that role before, and there’s nothing to say he can’t do it again.
Anderson was ejected from last week’s game against Carolina after a hit to the head of Greg Olsen, and now he’s being fined as well.
Redskins linebacker Ryan Anderson was fined $28,075 for unnecessary roughness for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Carolina tight end Greg Olsen, per source. Anderson was ejected after the third quarter hit in Sunday's 29-21 win. Olsen entered their… https://t.co/4a3mdUbDZ5
Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Anderson was fined for $28,075 this weekend after being called for an unnecessary roughness penalty in last week’s win over the Carolina Panthers.
Anderson was ejected from the game after the hit, which came as a surprise to many Redskins fans, considering a player for Carolina egregiously hit WR Trey Quinn in a similar fashion earlier in the game, and it received no penalty.
Despite Anderson’s absence, the Redskins were able to hold onto their lead and win the game. After the play, Panthers’ TE Greg Olsen, who was the subject of the hit, entered the concussion protocol.
A couple of fines were just reported stemming from last week’s game between the Panthers and the Redskins.
Friday news dumps are now Saturday news dumps, at least as far as the NFL is concerned. A couple of fines were just reported stemming from last week’s game between the Panthers and the Redskins.
First up, wide receiver/kick returner DeAndrew White has been fined $28,075 for his unnecessary roughness penalty that knocked Washington return specialist Trey Quinn out of the game.
In related news, Redskins linebacker Ryan Anderson was fined the exact same amount for the head shot he gave to tight end Greg Olsen that knocked him unconscious and out of the game.
#Redskins LB Ryan Anderson was fined $28,075 for unnecessary roughness — that hit that gave #Panthers TE Greg Olsen a concussion and got Anderson ejected last week.
