Numbers don’t always tell the story, especially in the preseason; but they can still be fun to look at. Here are some of the more telling numbers from the Redskins 16-3 thrashing of the Indianapolis Colts on Friday night:
415 – Total yards of offense for the Redskins. The second week in a row that the Redskins have gained more than 400 yards, and preseason or not, you don’t lose many games that you gain 400+ yards in.
277 – Total yards of offense for the Redskins in the first half alone.
215 – Yards rushing for the Redskins. It takes great work from both the running backs and the offensive line to grind out 200+ rushing yards.
150 – Total yards of offense for the Colts. The Redskins defense don’t have many stats to point at despite stifling the Colts offense, but this one tells a big story.
140 – Yards passing for John Beck (14 of 17), in his long anticipated 2011 Redskins debut. After all the hype, give the guy some credit, he came in and did a good job. There isn’t much between his performance Friday, and Grossman’s last Friday, but Beck at last backed up his words with a solid first outing.
101 – Yards on the ground for rookie Roy Helu. It won’t likely be his last 100-yard game either – the Nebraska running back looked great in his first extended action. Great vision, great speed, great to watch.
58 – Yard run from freshly imported Tim Hightower, on just the game’s second play – it would ultimately be the longest play from scrimmage in the game. What Redskin fan doesn’t already like this guy? Tearing it up in minimal duty, and making Ryan Torain sweat while on the sidelines with a hand injury.
57 – Yard punting average from Colts’ Pat McAfee – a 46 yard NET average – those are simply awesome punting numbers.
36 – Minutes of possession for the Redskins, to the Colts 27. That’s what 225 rushing yards does for you.
29 – Yard return for Terrence Austin. Why is that significant? He’s in a dog fight to make the roster, and special teams plays like that could be the difference. Said Austin via Grant Paulsen, “I’m focusing on trying to be dependable making plays. I’m going to leave it up to the coaches to make the decision at the end.”
25 – Percent. That’s the Redskins Red Zone efficiency number. It is likely the only Redskin number worth wagging a finger at after Friday’s game, and it’s a number that the Redskins will have to improve on to be successful in 2011.
13 – Different Redskin players caught passes on Friday night. Roy Helu had the most with 4 receptions, while Leonard Hankerson led the way with 46 yards.
10 – Points. The total number of points scored against the Redskins defense in TWO preseason games. Sure the Redskins offense stumbled in the red zone, but if your defense isn’t goig to allow but an average of 5 points per game, then your offense has a little bit of added leeway.
8 – Penalties totaling 58 yards. The Redskins weren’t quite as disciplined in week two of the preseason, but there were no ‘stupid’ or costly infractions.
6 – Out of 7 kickoffs were touchbacks. Thanks for moving the kickoff up again NFL, kickoff returns were a bit dangerous for the old ticker, what with all the excitement and all.
4 – Punt returns for Niles Paul. When a rookie receiver is fighting for a roster spot, he’ll take all the looks he can get, especially when he WASN’T one of the 13 Redskins to catch passes against the Colts.
3 – Sacks from the defense, including the first of rookie Ryan Kerrigan’s career. It won’t be his last. Darrion Scott and Lorenzo Alexander had the others.
2 – Wins? Yes, but more importantly, two solid outings for Washington.
1 – Interception for Rex Grossman. It might not be very significant, but it IS the knock against him, so the statistic does bear mentioning.
1 – Fight between teammates DeAngelo Hall and Chris Horton – apparently over a blown assignment. Gotta love football, and you have to love a team that seems to be finally learning about accountability.
0 – Complaints. Improvements are there to be made for sure, but the Redskins look focused, driven and well-prepared. Let’s hope it isn’t another preseason mirage. Remember Osaka!
I like the fact that all the guys are saying the right thing. I don’t know if it’s what the believe or not but it seems that they’re all excited to get in the film room and see what they messed up on. Trent Williams took a beating tonight and I think it was a good thing after such a strong performance last week. Goes to show you that you’ve got to bring it every week because there’s a dude always out there that will make you look like amateur hour.
One more stat, Mark: 6.1. That’s Yards Per Carry. That means moving the chains. That’s a stat that you win games with.