Week Three Redskins Report Card
In a back and forth game the Washington Redskins fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 37-34. Led by an outstanding performance by quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Redskins offense netted over 500 yards in total offense. Unfortunately the effort by the offense was marred by poor special teams and pass defense.
Quarterbacks: Cousins put up the numbers, 30/48 427 yards three touchdowns and one interception, but in the end it was not good enough as he failed to lead the Redskins into field goal range at the end of the game. Cousins was brilliant in the pocket, making quick decisions, and placing the ball into tight windows for his receivers. Grade B+
Running Backs: Alfred Morris did not have one of his best games but it was not one of his worst. His ability to pick up yardage after the first initial hit was outstanding Sunday as he picked up 62 of his 77 yards after contact. Roy Helu was outstanding on the Redskins last scoring drive, taking a screen pass 55 yards down the sideline to the one yard line, and then capping off the drive with a one yard plunge into the end zone. Grade B
Receivers: A big day for this unit. Pierre Garcon led the way with eleven catches for 138 yards and a touchdown. Garcon made several incredible catches on the sidelines that kept the Redskins offense alive on 3rd down. DeSean Jackson, five catches for 117 yards, showed his big play threat on an 81 yard touchdown catch in the 3rd quarter. Andre Roberts was again Mr. Reliable across the middle of the field. Grade A
Tight Ends: Niles Paul demonstrated that last week’s performance was not a fluke. Paul again showed that the extra time him and Cousins spent on the scout team throughout the preseason has paid off as Paul is Cousins go to guy. Paul finished the day with six catches for 68 yards. Grade B+
Offensive Line: The pass blocking this week improved greatly as Cousins had little to no pressure on him throughout the game. 511 yards of total offense is the result of this unit’s best effort so far this season. The line did struggle at times on the ground game only gaining 84 yards rushing. Grade B+
Defensive Line: The unit was outstanding against the run, holding the league’s premier rusher, LeSean Mccoy to 22 yards rushing. In the pass rush the group was able to put pressure on Eagles’ quarterback Nick Foles throughout the game but was unable to record a sack. Defensive end Jason Hatcher once again played outstanding. Chris Baker’s illegal hit on Foles in the third quarter led to a brawl and his ejection. Grade B
Line Backers: Just like the D line the line backers did an outstanding job in run support. Unfortunately that was not the case in the passing game. This unit struggled in its underneath coverages and allowed the Eagles tight ends and running backs to complete several big plays on crucial third downs. Grade C+
Secondary: This group’s worst performance of the season. Eagles receivers Jeremy Maclin and Jordan Matthews gashed the Redskins secondary for a combined sixteen receptions for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Safety Brandon Merriweather did a great job in run support but struggled to protect the deep middle of the field. Corner David Amerson showed his youth and struggled to keep up with the Eagles high flying offense. Grade D+
Special Teams: Again, just like in week 1 in Houston, this unit cost the Redskins the football game. The kick off return touchdown by Eagles returner Chris Polk after the Redskins first touchdown was an embarrassment as Polk went untouched for 102 yards. Kai Forbath had a solid game making two field goals from 49 and 44 yards only to miss a 33 yard chip shot that ended up being the difference in the game. Grade D-
Overall: The Eagles showed why they have the NFL’s number one offense. The Redskins pass defense struggled to keep the Eagles in check. For the Redskins to be a playoff team the special teams can not continue to give up big plays. With Cousins under the center the Redskins have great balance in the run and passing game. With a short week ahead, home against the Giants on Thursday night, the team needs to heal up and get ready for another NFC East battle. Grade B-
