Here is what’s going on in Redskins Nation in the last 24 hours…
Jay Gruden
By The Numbers: Redskins vs Eagles
Here are some of the more interesting statistics and numbers from the Redskins tough 37-34 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday…
511 – Total yards of offense for the Redskins. Coach Jay Gruden continues to impress as a play-caller and his team continues to move the ball well. They scored 6 times, and punted 3.
It Was A Battle, Lost
Ever eaten something that was incredibly delicious, and yet somehow inexplicably, the last bite was bad? Sour? Unpalatable? That’s what the Redskins 37-34 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles felt like on Sunday. To me anyway.
That isn’t to say that I pin the loss to the last play of the game for the Redskins, so much as to say, that what was a darn good game of football, may seem tainted by the overall outcome. The chagrin is understandable, 1-2 and a division loss, instead of 2-1 with a division win, is a mountain of difference.
But you can’t grade every game COMPLETELY on the result. Obviously it is the ultimate judgment of play and success, but the Eagles are a very good football team, and the Redskins gave them a heck of a challenge in their own home. I twas a war of attrition. It was nasty at times. it was full of mood swings. It was… great.
By the Numbers: Jaguars
Here is a look at some of the more interesting and telling statistics and numbers from the Washington Redskins’ 41-10 dismantling of the Jacksonville Jaguars…
449 – Yards of total offense. Not bad for a first year coach in just his second game, and missing his starting quarterback, his number 2 wide receiver and his tight end.
250 – Yards passing for Kirk Cousins. it was as solid a performance as you could ask for from your back-up quarterback. He finished the day at 22 of 33, but completed his first TWELVE passes.
191 – Yards rushing for Washington. The offensive line was stalwart against the Jags, they opened holes for everyone, especially between the tackles.
148 – Anaemic total yards for Jacksonville. Great job Redskins defense!
Redskins Overcome Injury Woes To Thrash Jags
Things looked bleak at Fed Ex Field early, when Robert Griffin III was carted off the field early in the first quarter; but when your back-up throws a touchdown on his first pass, it helps you move on quickly. Kirk Cousins and the Redskins overcame injuries not only to RGIII, but to receiver Desean Jackson, and a host of others, by putting in one of the most solid performances up and down the line-up in some time. The Jacksonville Jaguars were lit up by Washington 41-10, and were no match for a very determined Redskins bunch.
Its easy to get caught up in individual performances on Sunday – there were many good ones – but the Redskins head coach deserved as much credit as any.
Best and Worst: Redskins Versus Texans
At times, it was painful. At others, blissful. So goes the average game for an armchair quarterback. Here are a collection of the best and worst moments from Washington’s 17-6 loss to the Texans in Houston on Sunday.
Best Redskins Debut: Jason Hatcher
He registered his first sack in his first game, and was disruptive for much of it. He got nicked up in his first action in the burgundy and gold, but managed to return. He’s pretty good.
Mistakes Prove Costly in Redskins’ Season Opener
Were it not for a couple of critical mistakes at critical times for the Washington Redskins on Sunday, they might have endured a better fate than the 17-6 loss that they suffered to the Houston Texans. But as someone really old and wise that I know used to say, “If ifs were skiffs, we’d all be at sea.” Vital fumbles in the Red Zone on a handoff from Robert Griffin III to Alfred Morris, and a Niles Paul drop, proved to be wasted opportunities that Washington simply could not overcome.
“Inexcusable to have turnovers in the Red Zone,” said coach Jay Gruden in the post-game press conference. Gruden was obviously disappointed to see his first game as an NFL head coach, end in a loss. He’s absolutely right though. Paul especially should have to sew a football to his hand for the week to learn the importance of holding on to it. But hey coach, it’s inexcusable to not utilize a running attack that was gashing the Texans all day long too, so I understand your chagrin. Just saying.
Game Thoughts: Redskins v. Buccaneers
The Redskins finished up the preseason with a 24-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and finished with a (completely irrelevant) 3-1 record. While the result and record may be insignificant in the broadest of schemes, the game meant everything to many of the Redskins who played – guys fighting for their NFL lives. Who helped or hurt themselves?
Here are ten guys that helped themselves:
DeSean Jackson reports to Redskins park for off-season workouts
After spending last week on a vacation, which was previously planned before being released by the Philadelphia Eagles, DeSean Jackson reported to Redskins park on Monday for off-season workouts. Jackson, who signed with the Washington Redskins on April 2nd, is expected to be the game changing receiver and deep threat this upcoming season and beyond. … Read more
Expect a very potent Redskins offense in 2014
Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins offense, had a very tough 2013 season. RGIII was coming off knee surgery last off-season, which really hindered his development. He didn’t have the off-season workouts that most quarterbacks and receivers have. He had to spend all of last off-season rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee.
So what can we expect from Robert Griffin III in 2014? I personally expect a healthy and rejuvenated RGIII that will be the comeback player of the year next season. He now has an off-season to develop his game and to start finding a rhythm with his receivers. New Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, who worked with Andy Dalton in Cincinnati, can definitely help RGIII become a much better quarterback.