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The Redskins finished the 2011 season with a thud.  At (5-11) with two straight losses, one understandable and one unexplainable, and a worse record in year two of the Mike Shanahan era compared to his first campaign -- it is hard to make the argument that the Washington Redskins are actually better today than they were last January 3rd (the day after the 2010 season) or on January 5th, 2010 when Shanahan officially was handed the keys to the franchise.

It's hard to make it, but to anybody with a pulse -- they clearly are. The wins (lack there of) clearly determine your ultimate bottom line fate in any sport, but while that might be the only number that truly matters - when you are trying to reverse a culture of losing, mis-management and utter incompetence -- you have to be judged in other ways.

Still fans and media love statistics -- so the following is some specific categories in a year-over-year comparative look with notes and observations, just to give some substance to my argument that the Redskins are in much better shape.

It's one thing for Mike Shanahan to say it (constantly), it is another for me or Kevin Sheehan to say it -- but doyou believe it and can you see it?

Redskins Notable Statistics and Rankings in 2011 vs 2010.

THIRD DOWNS

**Washington finished 37 % (81-219) on third down conversions, on offense. In 2010, they were 29.3 % (61-208)

**The Redskins defense allowed opponents to convert 37.4 % (77-206) of the time on third down in 2011,they were better statistically in 2010 at 35% (75-214). In other words,  they were worse with better talent.

Analysis: As bad as the turnover problem was/is and for all of the issues with the offense (QB, injuries, etc) - this is a nice steady jump from Kyle Shanahan and this group. Overall, Washington ranked 15th in the NFL. Make no mistake about it, it has to get much better. The goal for next year has to be to jump into the low 40% area. For example - the Carolina Panthers were 10th at 40.5% but the Giants (who won NFC East) were only one spot ahead at 37.4% (14th) with their juggernaut passing game.

As for the defense, it was a big concern at times this year (@ Miami, vs. Dallas) but overall, the conversion rate landed Jim Haslett's troops in the dead middle (16th/NFL). Teams with worse 3rd down allowed conversions include the Giants, Steelers, Packers, Patriots, Falcons and Chargers.

PASS RUSH/KEY DEFENSIVE STATISTICS

**In 2011, the Redskins defense had 41 credited sacks,  36 tackles for loss, 74 passes defensed, 13 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles and 8 recovered fumbles. A total of 21 turnovers were generated. They had 1 total touchdown on defense.

**In 2010, the Redskins defense had 29 sacks and 37 tackles for loss, 89 passes defensed, 14 interceptions,23 forced fumbles and 13 recovered fumbles for a total of 27 total forced turnovers in 2010. They scored 2 touchdowns, both by DeAngelo Hall.

Analysis: The pass rush dramatically improves with the addition of Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield, plus a career best year out of Adam Carriker -- BUT -- the drop off in turnovers was a significant blow, along with some of the third down problems. DeAngelo Hall basically won two games on his own in 2010, and did not come anywhere close to that kind of impact in 2011. The highlight? It didn't get any better than Ryan Kerriganin his first NFL game, picking off Eli Manning for the score.  In 2012, the secondary has to be much better.

CB - Josh Wilson had two interceptions in the opponents end zone, and Oshiomogho Atogwe had two of his interceptions inside the opponents 5 yard line. The bottom line - with more sacks generated - turnovers should have come more frequently and they did not. That fact alone, cost the Redskins at least 2 wins.

The Redskins ranked 13th against the pass this season, surrendering 221.0 yards a game through the air, a significant change from the 261.7 yards allowed (31st/NFL in 2010). The Redskins defensive backs had only 10 interceptions.

PASSING STATS

**In 2011 - the Redskins attempted 591 passes, had 346 completions (58.5%), 3,773 yards, 235.8 YPG, 19TD's, 24 INT's (6 fumbles lost) and were sacked 41 times, with a Quarterback Rating of 73.3. (Rex 13 games, Beck 4 games)

**In 2010 - the Redskins attempted 605 passes, had 349 completions (57.7%), 3,913 yards, 244.6 YPG, 21 TD's, 19 INT's and were sacked 46 times, with a Quarterback Rating of 78.0. (Donovan 13 games,  Rex 4 GP)

Analysis: Clearly, the Redskins had far fewer 'big' plays this year with Anthony Armstrong struggling first with an injury, then with bump coverage and not being the same type of impact player. Couple in Fred Davis' suspension (4 games),  injuries to Santana Moss (missed 5 games), Chris Cooley (missed last 12 games), Tim Hightower (missed final 10 games); Trent Williams situation (2 games lost for injury, suspended 4 games), Kory Lichtensteiger's injury (missed final 12 games) and it is easy to see why the numbers did not improve in year two. The  other problems had very little to do with injury (some), but mostly to ball security.  The touchdown to interception ratio was a huge negative, compared to 2010. Rex Grossman's co # 1 issue is fumbling the football. Often in the worst spot, it just can not happen as many times as it did. Grossman and Beck  had  a combined 6 fumbles lost (Rex -5)  in 2011.

RUSHING STATS

**In 2011 - the Redskins attempted 400 carries, ran for a net of 1,614 yards (4.0 YPC/100.9 YPG) with a long of 39 yards, 10 - 20 + yard carries, 8 TD's, 4 Fumbles (`1 Lost) and had 79 rushing first downs. Roy Helu chipped in 49 catches for 379 yards and a touchdown. Evan Royster contributed 10 catches for 76 yards. Tim Hightower also caught 10 passes, for 78 yards and a touchdown before his injury. FB Darrel Young had 19 catches for 138 yards.

In 2010 - the Redskins attempted 351 carries, ran for a net of 1,461 yards (4.2 YPC/91.3 YPG) with a longof 54 yards, 12 - 20 + yard carries, 9 TD's, 6 Fumbles (2 Lost) and had 72 first downs. Last year, Keiland Williams (cut in training camp) led the Redskins RB's with 39 catches for 309 yards and 2 TD's. Ryan Torain (cut last week) had 18 catches, 125 yards and 2 touchdowns and Mike Sellers contributed 20 catches for 224 yards. Darrel Young in his first year as a fullback was not a factor, catching the ball last year.

Analysis: Who even remembers the running backs from the 2010 season?  Ryan Torain is now a goner, Clinton Portis ...See ya! Chad Simpson? Not so much. Anybody remember Larry Johnson or Willie Parker?  Tim Hightower was a solid addition, before blowing out his knee in Carolina in the midst of a great performance. Roy Helu and Evan Royster carried the load down the stretch. Helu was hampered by injuries, over the last month - but still had an impact. Royster was fantastic in the final two games, and was noticeable before then. As with everything, the performance needs to get better, but at least the Redskins were able to round out their averages, with a 4.0 yard per carry average and just shy of 101 yards per game. The yards-per-carry took a dip from 2010, but the yards per game increased by 10 yards with more of a commitment and better talent.

RETURN YARDAGE

In 2011 - the Redskins had 56 kickoff returns, 1239 yards, 22.1 YPR average, a long of 47,  and notouchdowns. Washington (Banks)  also had 37 punt returns for 328 yards, 8.9 YPR average, a long of 55, no touchdowns and 9 fair catches. Banks did have the reverse throwback pass for a touchdown in the Patriots game, and also had a end around reverse touchdown called back against Minnesota, because of a holding call.

In 2010, the Redskins returned 73 kickoffs, for 1,680 yards, a 23 YPR average, with a long of 96 and 1 touchdown (1 called back TD). Washington also returned 40 punts for 432 yards. 10.8 AVG per return, zero touchdowns (1 called back penalty) and 13 fair catches.

Analysis: Clearly, the new rules limited Brandon Banks and his ability to be a dynamic play making option. He also said he wasn't fully healthy until the midway point of the season. It also doesn't help that far too often, Banks either ran into his own blocker, stepped out-of-bounds (sometimes unforced) or was a broken tackle away from busting a big one. The opportunities and impact were down, but for comparison sake - the return average was less than a yard per return difference (23 to 22.1). If we are splitting hairs, I would be more concerned with the punt return average. It will be interesting to see what happens with Banks. The Redskins have other capable bodies, and probably can not afford to carry at KO/PR specialist with trick play ability.

KICKING/PUNTING

PK: In 2011 - the Redskins & Graham Gano were (31-41) overall on field goal attempts (75.6%) with 5blocks. Gano had a franchise history long of 59. Gano was (14-15) from under 30 yards. Gano was (5-9) from 30-39 yards. He was (8-11) from 40-49. Gano was (4-6) from 50 +. In terms of true misses, Gano wasno good from 39 vs NYG, 50 & 49 @ Miami, 49 & 52 (OT) vs Dallas. Gano made 15 out of his last 16 withthe only 'miss' a block in Philadelphia. Gano's blocks came from distances of 30 vs. Arizona (Sellers), 36 @Dallas (fumbled snap), 49 @ Buffalo (Neild) (No Trent), 23 @ Seattle - right guard area (No Golston) +EPA blocked in same area, 36 @ Philadelphia (RG area/Polumbus). 

** In 2011, Oppenents returned 36 kicks for 749 yards, a  20.8 average, with a long return of 51 (Seattle) and no touchdowns.

In 2010 - Gano was (24-35, 68.6%), with a long of 49. Gano was (9-11) under 30 yards. He was  (4-7) between 30-39 yards, (11-14) between 40-49 yards, (0-3) from 50 + yards. Gano was (28-28) on EPA's.

**In 2010, Opponents returned 61 kicks, for 1,160 yards for a 19.0 average, a long return of 38 & no TD's.

Analysis: As everybody knows, the 5 field goal blocks and one extra point blocked is largely inexcusable, but it has to be pointed out as to why. When you couple  injuries/suspensions and ultimately a bad roster move (cutting Artis Hicks) -- along with a much younger roster (Neild, Polumbus, Cook, etc), you are going to have uneven and sometimes very bad results. They clearly have to get better.  Gano only had 5 true misses, one from under 40 yards (39) and the other four were from 49 plus yards. The kickoffs were an issue, because of aggressive, unique scheming by Danny Smith and other breakdowns. Specifically against New England and the New York Jets, the Redskins may have just been better served by being conservative. In Seattle, the Redskins had a few breakdowns in coverage, but Gano actually made two huge tackles to save potential touchdowns.

PUNT: In 2011, Sav Rocca had 66 punts, for 2,842 yards, a gross average of 43.1, a net of 39.3. Rocca's long was 63, and had 28 punts downed inside-the-20. Rocca had one touchback, and the coverage units had 21 fair catches, allowed 32 returns for 250 yards, an average of 7.8 per return.

In 2010, a combination of punters (Josh Bidwell, Graham Gano & Sam Paulescu) had 93 punts for 3,776yards, with a long of 56. Redskins punters had a gross 40.6 average, with a net of 34.5. They had a blocked punt, and 23 punts downed inside-the-20. They also had 2 touchbacks, 17 fair catches, and allowed 45 returnsfor 568 yards, a 12.6 average per return.

Analysis: It is a GREAT sign that not only did the punting averages grow (gross by 2.5 yards, net by 4.8 yards), but that the overall number of punts went from 93 to 66, a decline of 37. That means the Redskins offense was much better, (indicated by the 8 % growth in third down conversions). In addition, Sav Rocca and the coverage unit had FIVE more punts downed inside-the-20, in those 37 less opportunities and forced 4more fair catches, combined with a nearly 5 yard per return drop. That's big improvement for the many Danny Smith haters.

Chris Russell // RussellC@Redskins.com // www.twitter.com/russellmania980 // www.facebook.com (Chris Russell or ESPN 980)