I was on a bus for the duration of the game and heard most of it on the radio, so keep that in mind if you read something that you didn't necessarily see in game.
1. RG3 Continues to Improve
As dynamic as RG3 was last year, he only threw for 20 scores. His 100+ quarterback rating was due to his paltry 5 interceptions thrown during the ENTIRE season. This year RG3 has 4 picks and 2 lost fumbles compared to zero first half touchdown passes. The turnovers are slowing what is already an anemic offense and the Redskins are paying the price in the win column. His passing accuracy is improving, and he is showing some playmaking ability with his legs on scrambles and bootlegs but he still isnt 12' RG3. It is unfair to expect superstar play from this guy. He is a human being. I don't care what he says during press conferences but when you step back out on the football field after being injured the way he's been injured it takes time for your mind to shake off the jitters of getting hurt again. His mind is clouded and scared and it affects his on the field performance. By the second half of the season I'm pretty sure we'll have the old RG3 we all know and love back on the field.
2. The Defense Has Been Stepping Up
Joique Bell was held to 63 rushing yards and the run defense overall was stout. David Akers kicked two very short field goals meaning the defense clamped down in the red-zone. They only gave up three offensive touchdowns while scoring one of their own. The net points given up by the defense was 20, so all the offense had to do was score 21 points or more in 4 quarters to win. Three touchdowns is easy picking for most teams, hell even Brian Hoyer threw for three scores against the Vikings. But as usual we couldn't. Sure Stafford threw for 385 yards, but with our secondary issues that's going to happen; it's an improvement over the 480+ yards Aaron Rodgers threw for last week. Not only that, but they held Detroit to a mere 4-13 on third downs. They gave the offense plenty of chances but they couldn't take advantage. The defense is playing at a winnable level, but only if the offense can put some damn points on the board.
3. The Defense Still Can't Tackle
As much as they have improved from the Eagle's nightmare on Monday Night the defense still can't tackle. This is how big plays and first downs are made against the defense. They still can't seem to wrap up or get hand on some of these ball carriers. Not only that, but there just seems to be so much more open space when the defense is playing. Granted it's been better than the first two games but runners continue to get extra yards simply because people don't know how to tackle. It needs to get fixed, ASAP.
4. The Return Game is Garbage
Every time someone kicks the ball deep into our endzone Chris Thompson or whoever is back returning kicks feels the need to bring out, and get tackled short of the 15. This horrible starting field position is a big reason the offense starts out games insanely slow. Punt returners gain 3 yards and kickoff returners end up behind the 15 yard line. You need the other units of your team to help when others are struggling and, simply put, the return teams have just been digging the sixth foot of the offense's grave.
5. Play-Calling and Penalties Need to Improve
Fifty pass attempts compared to only twenty rushes. The offense needs a spark and the play calling needs to facilitate that. Lets run the god damned read option. Our high flying offense was predicated on play action last year; and as we struggle offensively we continue to take away the one thing that gave our offense life. Establishing the run will make everything easier: shorter third downs, more time of possession, more open passing lanes and less time the defense is on the field. Sometimes the game situation just doesn't allow it, but I want to see more option/pistol plays from this offense.
Bottomline: This is season is looking bleak in terms of playoffs, granted I said the same thing after we beat the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, but it just looks like we're taking too long to get our footing this season. After the bye we face teams like Denver, Chicago, San Fran, Atlanta and San Diego and it just seems like to big a hurdle to overcome after starting our 0-4 or at best 1-3. Not the best bottomline but I hope I'm proven wrong.
1. RG3 Continues to Improve
As dynamic as RG3 was last year, he only threw for 20 scores. His 100+ quarterback rating was due to his paltry 5 interceptions thrown during the ENTIRE season. This year RG3 has 4 picks and 2 lost fumbles compared to zero first half touchdown passes. The turnovers are slowing what is already an anemic offense and the Redskins are paying the price in the win column. His passing accuracy is improving, and he is showing some playmaking ability with his legs on scrambles and bootlegs but he still isnt 12' RG3. It is unfair to expect superstar play from this guy. He is a human being. I don't care what he says during press conferences but when you step back out on the football field after being injured the way he's been injured it takes time for your mind to shake off the jitters of getting hurt again. His mind is clouded and scared and it affects his on the field performance. By the second half of the season I'm pretty sure we'll have the old RG3 we all know and love back on the field.
2. The Defense Has Been Stepping Up
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| D. Hall has scored more TDs in the first half than the entire Redskins offense this season |
3. The Defense Still Can't Tackle
As much as they have improved from the Eagle's nightmare on Monday Night the defense still can't tackle. This is how big plays and first downs are made against the defense. They still can't seem to wrap up or get hand on some of these ball carriers. Not only that, but there just seems to be so much more open space when the defense is playing. Granted it's been better than the first two games but runners continue to get extra yards simply because people don't know how to tackle. It needs to get fixed, ASAP.
4. The Return Game is Garbage
Every time someone kicks the ball deep into our endzone Chris Thompson or whoever is back returning kicks feels the need to bring out, and get tackled short of the 15. This horrible starting field position is a big reason the offense starts out games insanely slow. Punt returners gain 3 yards and kickoff returners end up behind the 15 yard line. You need the other units of your team to help when others are struggling and, simply put, the return teams have just been digging the sixth foot of the offense's grave.
5. Play-Calling and Penalties Need to Improve
Fifty pass attempts compared to only twenty rushes. The offense needs a spark and the play calling needs to facilitate that. Lets run the god damned read option. Our high flying offense was predicated on play action last year; and as we struggle offensively we continue to take away the one thing that gave our offense life. Establishing the run will make everything easier: shorter third downs, more time of possession, more open passing lanes and less time the defense is on the field. Sometimes the game situation just doesn't allow it, but I want to see more option/pistol plays from this offense.
Bottomline: This is season is looking bleak in terms of playoffs, granted I said the same thing after we beat the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, but it just looks like we're taking too long to get our footing this season. After the bye we face teams like Denver, Chicago, San Fran, Atlanta and San Diego and it just seems like to big a hurdle to overcome after starting our 0-4 or at best 1-3. Not the best bottomline but I hope I'm proven wrong.
A few quick things:
ReplyDelete#1 - I don't understand how Niles Paul became a bad option for kickoffs. My bet is that he's returning kicks in two weeks and Chris Thompson gets cut.
#2 - I don't understand why Morris isn't running the ball 30 times a game. He's been effective with limited work. And we could use all the help we can get. Ride him, Garcon, and Jordan Reed.
#3 - RG3 may be healthy but that knee brace simply hinders his mobility. He cannot out run a DE with that on. Since it'll probably be on for most if not the rest of the year, we should create a play action offense based off of the threat of Morris. RG3 can still be an effective pocket passer. He throws the short/middle passes with ease, and the cannon was on display to Aldrick Robinson. We just need wiser play calling.
Haha spot on usual man. Do you wanna be the first contributing author to The Master Debater? haha
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