Redskins AM Rush - Tuesday 11/12/19

It was time to get back to work on Monday at Redskins Park for a (1-8) football team that almost nobody has any faith or confidence in at this point.

Just to win the seven games and finish (7-9) as they have in each of the last two years, the Redskins would have to go (6-1). Good luck with that.

While the games won't mean as much moving forward as they typically would, evaluation of everything, besides the obvious conclusion that the Redskins are a sinking ship, is very much on the table.

To take a look at how they got here - we go "Inside the Numbers" to put some things in perspective. We've spent so much time on the offense and the lack there of it, we should spent some time on the defense.

A unit that absolutely abysmal when Jay Gruden was still the head coach. Nobody could deny that in any way. A group that has played more than respectable football since that point.

In four games since Bill Callahan took over, they've allowed 16 points, 9, 19 & 24. That's a total of 68 points over four games or 17 points per game allowed.

Just one benefit of a shortened game and running the football. It's certainly not just opponent related. Sure, Miami and Buffalo are far from offensive juggernauts, but Minnesota and San Francisco can score with anybody and the Redskins defense did a good job in some adverse situations.

Per NFLGSIS.com, the league's official statistical service - here's a snapshot of where the Redskins rank in comparison to the other 31 teams thru Week 10:

A couple of notes: The Redskins yards per play average being exactly the NFL average is a huge improvement from earlier in the season. It's not good enough, but Greg Manusky's unit deserves some credit.

Washington's passing yards per game is below the NFL average, a trend in the right direction but they must get better on third down overall. On 3rd/14 in Buffalo late, the Redskins allowed an 18-yard completion in front of Josh Norman and the Bills scored a touchdown shortly after to ice the game.

The Redskins defense on the money down were at 63% earlier in the year, so as crazy as it sounds, they are actually not as bad as they were.

Part of the reason why Washington has been better on defense is because they've tightened up in the red zone and specifically goal-to-go situations.

The Redskins are home for the next two weeks against the Jets and Detroit Lions. Sam Darnold and New York are inconsistent at best while the Lions might be without Matthew Stafford.

Opportunity is knocking.

At home, the Redskins defense is about the same as it is on the road if you allow for variances in numbers. They've had 76 more plays away from FedEx than at home in one more road game.

The good news? They've only allowed two rushing touchdowns at home. The bad news? Opponents have racked up nine passing touchdowns on 125 throwing attempts. An average of 8.0 yards per attempt, per ProFootballReference.com.

Something to look out for: In the third quarter of their nine games so far this year, the Redskins are allowing a 78.5% completion rate and 10.3 yards per passing attempt.

We mentioned their brutal third-down defense but to put it in perspective: Opponents are (61-78), 78.2% completion percentage, 812 yards, a 10.4 average per attempt, five touchdowns and three interceptions. They've also allowed a 5.6 rushing yards per attempt average. Both are extreme highs compared to first and second down.

One final note: For Ryan Kerrigan to only have 2.0 sacks through nine games is simply stunning. He hasn't had a sack or a quarterback hit since the San Francisco loss.

Kerrigan had 13 sacks in EACH of the last two years, for a total of 26. He's on pace for less than four in 2019.

His former teammate, Preston Smith, has 10.0 in his first year with Green Bay.

Is it two players just going in opposite directions in terms of production? Is it scheme? Is it culture? You decide.