There is no "bye" weekend for Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden.
While players take time off before returning against Minnesota Nov. 13, Gruden and his staff must resolve several problem areas that have turned the once winners of four straight into a 4-3-1 team at midseason.
The biggest challenge is fixing Washington's red zone blues, as the team ranks 31st in NFL scoring when inside the opposing 20-yard line. Last year, the Redskins were 11th with largely the same personnel, but defenses now focus on tight end Jordan Reed. Gruden tried to counter with fade routes that failed miserably before finding some success with slants. But until Washington can effectively run the ball near the goal, defenses will key in on the passing game.
