Washington Redskins Week Two Report Card
The words “dominant” and “Redskins” have seldom gone together over the past twenty years. Sunday’s 41-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars was a dominant performance in all phases of the game for the Redskins:
Quarterback: Kirk Cousins stepped in for an injured Robert Griffin III midway through the first quarter and performed at a high level. Cousins did an excellent job managing and operating head coach Jay Gruden’s offense. The final stats show Cousins completing 29 of 37 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns but stats are not everything. Cousins demonstrated that he has the capability and leadership to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Grade A
Running Backs: Last week after a 17-6 loss in Houston, Gruden said “If I had to do it all over again Sunday, then I would’ve ran the ball more than I did.” Well Gruden is a man of his word. Led by Alfred Morris, 85 yards rushing and two touchdowns, and complimented by Roy Helu and Silas Redd, the Redskins rushed for 191 yards. Grade A
Receivers: With starting receiver DeSean Jackson out of the line up with a shoulder injury, Andre Roberts stepped in brilliantly in the slot. Roberts was able to pull in four catches for 57 yards and converted an end around play for 19 yards. Rookie Ryan Grant provided electricity in his first NFL appearance hauling in five catches for 57 yards. Grade B
Tight End: Niles Paul had the game of his career filling in for the injured Jordan Reed. Paul was able to cut through the middle of the Jaguars’ pass defense several times. He finished the day with eight catches for 99 yards and one touchdown. Logan Paulson provided great run blocking on the edge throughout the game. Grade A
Offensive Line: Anytime a team rushes for 191 yards and passes for 250 yards it is a great day up front. The line provided great run blocking throughout the contest. In the passing game, just as it did last week in Houston, the line struggled at times to provide adequate protection giving up three sacks to the Jaguars. Trent Williams had a personal foul penalty at the one yard line early in the second half that ended up costing the Redskins a touchdown. Grade B
Defensive Line: The unit allowed 25 rushing yards. Led again by defensive ends Jason Hatcher and Chris Baker, the defensive line helped shut down the Jaguars offense. Hatcher was able to sack quarterback Chad Henne twice and Defensive Tackle Frank Kearse got his first sack of the season. Grade A
Line Backers: DOMINANT!!! Ryan Kerrigan led this group into the history books with four of the Redskins TEN sacks. Keenan Robinson and Perry Riley both had six solo tackles. The group as a whole helped hold the Jaguars to 148 total yards. Grade A+
Secondary: With the exception of a Bacarri Rambo blown coverage, a 63 yard touchdown reception by Mercedes Lewis, this unit had the Jaguars receivers on lock down, allowing only 123 yards passing. Cornerback Trenton Robinson recorded his first career interception and Ryan Clark contributed to the sack record in the third quarter. Grade B+
Special Teams: No blocked extra point attempts or blocked punts this week. The unit improved greatly. Kai Forbath made both his field goal attempts from 36 and 42 yards, and was five for five on extra point attempts. Andre Roberts continues to provide excellent return yardage on both kick-off and punt returns. Punter Tress Way had a booming 49.8 yards per punt average and filled in nicely on the kick off team for Forbath. Grade A
Overall: The team excelled in all facets of the game. With Griffin out for an extended amount of time, the offense now belongs to Cousins. If the team can continue to pound the ball on the ground and dominate on defense the sky is the limit. Next week against the Eagles will certainly test this formula for success. Grade A
