A morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Redskins on Thursday, October 17, 2013.

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--A lack of communication is one of the reasons for quarterback Robert Griffin III's subpar night passing. Griffin was threw 19 for 39 (48 percent) and an interception.

--Quarterback Robert Griffin III found success rushing the football (77 yards) and is realizing that the use of his legs will help an offense that lacks explosive plays.

--Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan addresses comments made about special teams coach Keith Burns and explains the nature of a special teams coaching change.

--Robert Griffin III answers questions about the scrutiny and pressure to be the quarterback he was in 2012. Through five games, Griffin has matched his 2012 totals in interceptions thrown (5) and fumbles lost (3).

--With a 1-4 record, Redskins Barry Cofield feels that the team is more talented and a better focused team than in years past, despite having their worst start in the Mike Shanahan era.

--Tight end Niles Paul a special teams player, comments on the transition to first year coach Keith Burns and that the 86-yard and 90-yard returns by Dallas were "embarrassing."

--New additions to the team long snapper Kyle Nelson, linebacker Josh Hull and safety Trenton Robinson all are ready to make an impact on the special teams unit.

--Rookie cornerback David Amerson sustained a concussion against Dallas but expects to practice and says he is ready to "tough it up and move on."

--A lingering question for the Redskins front office, what will happen with coach Mike Shanahan? His five-year $35 million contract is set to end after the 2014 season.

--How DeAngelo Hall was able to shut down Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (5 receptions, 36 yards) and what he will have to do to stop Chicago's receiver Brandon Marshall.

--Redskins fullback Darrel Young was critical of himself and the special teams unit. The Redskins average 19.2 yards per kickoff return which is 30th in the NFL.

--Five things Redskins fans need to know including Redskins safety Reed Doughty talks about the difficulty the special teams unit is having making plays.

--How Redskins long snapper Kyle Nelson prepared for his opportunity to play for the Redskins and how he is adjusting to the team.

--Quarterback Robert Griffin III and head coach Mike Shanahan on how Griffin is improving and Shanahan's view of Griffin's running ability that he displayed against Dallas.

--Earning trust is key for a turnaround in the Redskins special teams unit. A unit that averages 4.8 yards per punt return (27th in the NFL).

--Five questions for the Redskins including what will it take to beat the Bears? The Redskins face a Bears defense that gave up 355 yards of offense, 123 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns to a struggling 0-6 Giants team.

--A examination of quarterback Robert Griffin III's play and if he will be able to take advantage of Chicago's pass defense ranked 23rd and a weak pass rush that only has 8 sacks.

--Observations from the Redskins defensive performance including how the strategy to attack quarterback Tony Romo's outside shoulder made life difficult for the QB.

--Practice updates on injured players, cornerback David Amerson (concussion) and nose tackle Chris Neild (calf).

--County Executive Rushern L. Baker III commented on the topic of the Redskins team name.

--Redskins players have fun while supporting the annual All-Star Survivors Celebration hosted at Redskins Park. --Five players were able to practice fullydespite sustaining prior injuries.

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What's Trending In @Redskins Nation?

1) QB @RGIII: "We've got to go out there with the mindset that there's no way we're going to lose...not just compete, but go out and win."

2) QB @RGIII: "For a lot of guys in the locker room, nothing's ever been given to us...We have too much character to fold."#RedskinsPride

3) Shanahan likes what he saw from @RGIII on the move Sunday night: "You see some of that burst that he had a year ago." #HTTR

4) Helu's Hurdle makes the top-13, but wasn't the top #Redskinsmoment so far. Find out what is: http://t.co/nuM7HLdiachttp://t.co/mBVb0JAgkx

5) LB @LFletcher59: "We still have high aspirations. We still feel like we can turn it around. We have the guys to get it done." #HTTR

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