Donovan McNabb can feel it coming.
As the games pass, as the weeks pass, players in the Redskins' new offense are gradually building a comfort level.
They are developing a rapport – whether it's among offensive linemen or between quarterback and receiver.
They are finding a rhythm, so important in sustaining drives.
It was always going to take time for players to adjust to the new offense.
It was a matter of how much time would be needed.
McNabb says the adjustment can happen within one season.
"I expect it to," he said. "The first four games, everyone is getting a feel of who's out there with you and game situations. Now I think it's really going to take off."
Through four games, the Redskins are ranked right in the middle – 16th overall – on offense. They are averaging 17.5 points per game and 328.2 yards per game.
McNabb said that the offense is still searching for its identity.
That will come as more players learn the nuances of the offense and develop their roles.
"We just don't want to go in and air it out, throw 40 to 50 times a game, although I wouldn't mind," McNabb said. "We're working to establish that run because we do so much off the run."
McNabb said he is already going through his progressions quicker than in Week 1.
"I'm excited about the things we can do in this offense," he said. "Once we explode, I tell you, it's going to be eye-popping."
For the most part, the passing game has been more effective than the run game so far this season.
McNabb has completed 70-of-121 passes for 958 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Thirty-eight of McNabb's completions – nearly half – have gone to Santana Moss (22 catches) and Chris Cooley (16 catches).
McNabb said that when the offense is clicking, passes will be spread around to more receivers.
But he acknowledged that Moss and Cooley are his go-to receivers.
"There's a comfort, for me, spreading the ball around," he said. "I take pride in that. Again, this is a different type of offense than I've run for 11 years. I have to kind of get into a level where I know I can throw it here and there. These guys are running different routes and different plays.
"Santana has had more opportunities and we all know that he has been one of the best receivers here in the last couple of years. There is a reason why he's getting more opportunities – and the same with Cooley. We're going to continue to do what we have to do to get more guys involved, but we're still going to sort of stay with what we've been doing."
In last Sunday's game vs. Philadelphia, Moss was held without a catch, but McNabb found Anthony Armstrong for a key 57-yard pass that set up a field goal.
"Anthony did a great job on that one long pass," McNabb said. "He had another one that I kind of just tailed outside. These guys are doing a great job. More guys will have more catches as we move forward in this offense."
