A morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Redskins on Thursday, October 31, 2013.
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--One reporter questions quarterback Robert Griffin III's capability to be an elite pocket passer. Through seven games Griffin finished with a game with a quarterback rating better than 90 three times compared to five times in seven games last year.
--With a lack of explosive big plays, one reporter looks to the receivers for constancy in the passing game. One telling stat is that besides Pierre Garcon, the second leading receiver is rookie tight end Jordan Reed with 388 yards, 134 yards more than the third leading receiver Leonard Hankerson (254).
--Redskins tight end Fred Davis says he wants to play and suggested his inactivity is related to clauses in his contract.
--Quarterback Robert Griffin III practiced fully yesterday and dismissed any injury concerns to his left knee.
--How wide receiver Josh Morgan is handling the change in playing time. Last year Morgan started 15 of 16 games, this year he has started two of seven and has just 11 catches on the season.
--Backup quarterback Kirk Cousins spoke to the media on his performance vs. the Broncos on Sunday. Cousins went 5-for-9 for 48 yards and threw an interception for a touchdown.
--One writer breaks down a key play in the Redskins-Broncos game. The play diagrams how the Redskins failed to convert first downs in the second half which led to three punts, a fumble and four interceptions.
--Redskins safety Reed Doughty says he feels a lot better and is hopeful to play against the Chargers. Doughty was injured with a concussion vs. Chicago and was inactive vs. Denver.
--Rookie safety Phillip Thomas is off crutches and looks forward to a speedy rehab process. Thomas was drafted in the fourth round and suffered a season ending Lisfranc tear in the preseason.
--Wide receiver Santana Moss comments on what fellow wide receiver Pierre Garcon said about the passing offense.
--Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo wins his appeal over a fine for roughing the passer vs. Chicago.
--How Redskins running back Roy Helu Jr. got a year’s supply of Suave.
--As the Redskins prepare for their homecoming game vs. the Chargers this Sunday, one writer explains how last years "homecoming" game got Carolina Panthers players upset.
--Former Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth responds to Chris Cooley's comments by saying, "he sounds as stupid as he looks" and had some harsh words about head Coach Mike Shanahan on Tennessee Sports Radio.
--Injury updates for the Redskins, including how wide receiver Pierre Garcon is dealing with a calf injury.
--Five important quotes from the Redskins as they prepare for the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Quarterback Robert Griffin III said, "You can react in a negative way or a positive way. I choose to be positive."
--Storylines to follow for the upcoming Redskins-Chargers game including how the Redskins plan to stop the NFL's most accurate passer in Philip Rivers. Rivers has a 74 percent completion rate and is on pace to break the NFL record of 71.2 percent.
--Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan spoke about rookie safety Bacarri Rambo and said, "he stepped up and played at a level where he'll get a chance to play again."
--Veteran receiver Santana Moss believes that the offense will find its stride. Despite struggles vs. the Broncos, Washington's offense ranks 10th in passing yards per game (257.1) and 6th in rushing yards per game (137.3).
--A look at the status of the Redskins after seven games, offensive/defensive MVP's and how wide receiver Josh Morgan needs to prove he was worth the $5.1 million cap charge.
--One writer describes the importance of the next two games and how they can determine the rest of the Redskins season. The Redskins will play two games in a span of five days and could improve their record to 4-5 putting them right in contention for first place in the NFC East.
--A representative of the Oneida Indian Nation is disappointed with the outcome of a meeting held in New York that dealt with the Washington Redskins team name.
--The San Francisco Chronicle will not use the Redskins team name and instead will use Washington to speak about the team.
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What's Trending In @Redskins Nation?
1) #Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall has been turning some heads this season, and rightfully so. #HTTR http://t.co/BTWBsoRbFd
2) QB @RGIII: "There's no secret sauce, no secret weapons....talk doesn't help...we just need to go out there and execute." #HTTR
3) QB @RGIII on his WRs' frustrations: "We're all in this together. The only way to get better is to stick together." #HTTR
4) Shanahan on making a run like last year to end the season: "Anything's possible, but you need to play good, solid football."#HTTR
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