A look at the highs and lows of the first half of the season for the Washington Redskins (4-3-1) and what to expect in the second half:

Grade C-plus: The Redskins are just a smidgen over average as their 4-3-1 record attests; they do own two nice road wins but started 0-2 at home. They could have easily won one of their final two games before the bye -- but failed. Washington’s offense ranks fourth in yards per game but 14th in scoring. If the red zone offense had been better, the Redskins could have won at least one more game. Maybe two. Defensively, the Redskins have struggled in almost all areas: 22nd in yards per game, 31st in yards per carry, 29th on third down, 19th in scoring. Takeaways helped win games against the Giants and Browns. But the Redskins hurt themselves too often in the season's first half with their poor tackling and botched assignments.

Midseason MVP: The most consistent player has been second-year slot receiver Jamison Crowder. He has made some big plays, catching 40 passes with team-highs in yards (498) and touchdowns (four). Crowder has become a good target on third down too, with 13 receptions, eight for first downs; last season, he had 20 such receptions with 12 for first downs. Crowder’s big plays were the difference in wins over the Giants (a 55-yard screen pass in which he weaved for a touchdown) and the Ravens (an 85-yard punt return for a score). In the final two games before the bye, Crowder caught a combined 16 passes for 215 yards and a score.

Best moment: Rookie linebacker Su'a Cravens could develop into a consistent playmaker for Washington’s defense. He combined instincts and solid technique to make one of the biggest plays in the first half of the season, leading to the Redskins’ best moment. They needed to protect a 29-27 lead late vs. the Giants when Cravens came through in Week 3. He played running back Shane Vereen out of the backfield perfectly – forcing him back inside, getting his hands on him to slow the route. He then made a diving pick of Giants QB Eli Manning – who had to hesitate because Cravens had slowed Vereen -- to clinch the Redskins' first win.

Worst moment: There were a few – the Kirk Cousins interception in the end zone vs. Dallas; the Dustin Hopkins missed field goal in overtime vs. Cincinnati; the final drive by Detroit. But the worst moment occurred off the field on Nov. 1 when left tackle Trent Williams was suspended four games for substance abuse. It’s a self-inflicted wound that cost Washington one of its best players during a crucial stretch. Ty Nsekhe can do a solid job as his replacement, but Williams is a four-time Pro Bowler. He was playing well, too.

Player to watch: Cousins. The Redskins still must determine how much they’re willing to pay someone largely considered to be in the middle half of NFL quarterbacks. He started slowly, but played three strong games before the bye (a combined 1,022 yards, five touchdowns and two picks) and led successful drives late in games. His stats don’t always tell the story, but he’s on pace to throw for a club-record 4,908 yards. Cousins must improve in the red zone, where he has completed just 19-of-43 passes for 142 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions so far. Last season, those numbers were 50-of-78 for 345 yards, 22 touchdowns and no picks. The defense isn’t about to improve much, so the offense must carry the burden, and that means Cousins.

Second-half outlook: The Redskins have a difficult stretch after their bye, with games against Minnesota and Green Bay followed by road games at Dallas, Arizona and Philadelphia. All but the Packers rank among the top 10 in fewest points allowed per game. If Carolina turns its season around, they await after the Eagles game. That’s why it was imperative for the Redskins to beat Detroit or Cincinnati. The Redskins need to find a way to get a couple more big plays out of wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Their offense can still improve by fixing red zone issues and staying consistent on the ground. But if the Redskins don’t do better vs. the run, the division title will go elsewhere.