ES Coverage

So I was finally able to get a copy of the Rams vs Colts game from Week 1. 

The first thing that stood out is that no in LA goes to NFL games. The sideline seats are over half empty at kickoff. One end zone is open & it looks like there are more fans in the stands of the closed end zone section then there are on the sidelines. The field still has the PAC 12 logos on it as you can see them, along with the hardline numbers, through whatever the grounds crew tried to cover them up with. The Rams don’t even have their logo on the field. Instead it’s the NFL shield logo at the 50 yard line. 

Let’s take a look at the Offense, we’ll skip the Defense for time reasons & the fact that Luck was on the sideline for this one giving Wade Phillips an inexperienced backup QB to tee off against.

McVay still likes to deep to 11. However now it’s Tavon Austin & not DeSean Jackson. Speaking of Austin, McCoy ran him on a Fly Sweep in the First Quarter. He got 9 yards on it on 1st Down. McCoy actually gets Gurley involved with calling two back to back runs. However it still produces that 3 yard gain that Redskins fans have gotten used to seeing the last four years. Go figure. That said, the Rams seem to have better luck in actually passing it to Gurley then trying to have him run it. Last play of the first Quarter, it’s a run for Gurley & he goes no where. He just get smothered & covered in the backfield like hash browns at the Waffle House. 

To start the 2nd Quarter it’s a handoff to Austin who goes left towards a wall of defenders, reverses to the right & gets stopped for a minuscule gain. McVay’s easily identified his top two weapons & is getting them ball in several creative ways so far. 

So far this Offense looks both familiar & good. Even the off sides & holding penalties on the O-Line look familiar. Speaking of the O-Line, I don’t think Goff has been hit yet & it’s currently about two minutes into the 2nd Quarter as I’m still watching the tape. There’s a shot of Luck on the sideline- Holy …He shaved the neck beard & doesn’t look like a Goonie Goo Goo anymore Gus. Austin just returned a punt. Kupp. Damn nice one handed wide open grab for a completion on the intermediate/deep ball. Another completion downfield to Everett. Rams are in the end zone & still can’t run. Surprisingly they stick with the run again on the next call & Gurley gets into the end zone. 

One thing I’m noticing about Goff is his accuracy which he was already known for. Thing is when he has time to set his feet in the pocket, he trows with laser precision. It’s when he’s under pressure or hurried that he’ll heave it downfield without his feet planted on the ground. Every one of those passes fall short. Also, I haven’t seen him throw it away yet either.  This is going to be a key for Week 2. The Redskins Defense needs to be in face all day long. 

Maaaan. About 5 & half left in the 2nd Quarter, Goff has all day in the pocket & hits a laser to Kupp in the end zone for a TD. The whole play in action was probably prettier then when McCoy drew it up. Just a beautifuly executed play. 

Well now. Gurley on a sweep to the right, hurdles a defender & loses the ball out of bounds. Nice run. Next play & this was NICE. They fake it to Gurley so the Defense forgets about him only to air it out to him down the field where he’s already got 3 linemen downfield blocking for him for a gain of 23. Sick. Just effing sick. So far the Rams look like they’re going to give you a fun team watch this season when the Skins aren’t playing. 

Overtime Goff calls TURBO in his cadence I think back to Kyle Shanahan. 

At the Half, the Rams have put 27 on the board, 7 of those were provided by the Defense who had a pick six earlier in the 1st Quarter.

The Rams start the 3rd Quarter with another one of those famous 3 yard runs. Then the next play Goff nails a 26 yard strike into triple coverage to Woods. The play was again setup with a fake handoff to Gurley & Austin in motion from left to right. Gurley (wide open) at 5 yards pass the line of scrimmage turns  to look back at Goff as his release valve. Goff launches it downfield to Woods coming off a deep crossing route. Even the announcers are starting to gush over the creativity on the Rams Offense. 

A handoff to Gurley now gets him more then 3 yards as the pass has started to momentarily open up the run game. Though so far the run game has been pretty basic compared to the passing game. And then with three receivers, Goff takes the snap, fakes the handoff to Gurley & runs it himself for a gain of 2. Back to Gurley who gets stuffed in the backfield for a loss of 6. It’s 3rd & 14 & they actually try to run it up the middle for 2, & the kick it for 3. Defense just snagged another pick 6, this one right in front of TY Hilton. 

Remind me again why we didn’t even interview Wade Phillips? I know this Colts team is trash without Luck running t but damn all they do is get held to 3 & outs, get sacked, or throw pick sixes. With nearly 3 minutes left in the 3rd the Defense nearly gets another one but it’s negated by the Colts getting for a facemark penalty on the DB that caused him to drop the ball as his head was getting yanked around. 

Last Rams drive in the 3rd Quarter has a Sammy Watkins sighting to convert a 3rd Down. Five seconds into the 4th Quarter & Goff finally takes his first sack. 

The Colts are so out of this game they’ve switched QBs for the 4th Quarter. Scrubby McScrubb launches a 50 yard completion to get the Colts at the 4 yard line. And the Colts finally get a touchdown, only to miss the extra point. This series is the only one where you can maybe say the Defense didn’t fully do their job. 

Gurley rips off a run outside to the left that gets called back due to holding. I think we’ve seen that movie here in DC before. Miscommunican between Goff & Cooper cause the Rams to punt as Goff’s pass goes 10 yards over his head. The Defense can now add a Safety to their resume. 

There’s about 9 minutes left & the Rams have 39 on the board so there’s still another touchdown waiting to happen. 

Goff to Kupp for a gain of 28 in coverage. McCoy goes to the run game to start chewing up the clock which surprises me as I’d have expected him to continue trying to pass it into the end zone. Brown runs it in for 6 on 3rd & 2. 

In what’s most likely the Rams final drive, McCoy gives Goff the rest of the game off & let’s the backup QB start at the 10  yard line. At the Two Minute Warning the Rams take a knee to run this one out. 

Even after watching this I have no idea what to expect later today when the Redskin take on the Rams. With Gruden’s teams the rule has been look like garbage in the Week 1 game & rebound in Week 2. However the other rule has been that Wade Phillips has basically ate Gruden’s lunch overtime they’ve gone against each other. I can easily see a shootout happening but I can just as easily see the Rams delivering another blowout.

VICTORY!!!!!!!!

Redskins 27 - Rams 20

Hello friends. I know it's been a while since last we chatted, but I am back again for season number 13. Much like many of my previous seasons covering this franchise, the Washington Redskins did not get off to the best of starts with their 2017 campaign -- snapping a five-game winning streak over the Philadelphia Eagles with a disheartening 30-17 loss.

Whether it was due to nerves or the first-team offense not getting enough reps throughout the preseason, quarterback Kirk Cousins was more inaccurate than 'Skins fans are used to seeing. While Terrelle Pryor's drops weren't helping, the franchised quarterback sailed more than a few passes over the head of his intended targets – most notably on the soul-crushing red-zone interception that essentially ended Washington's chances for victory in Week 1.

As trite as it is to say, this offense will only go as far as Cousins' arm takes it. Do you know what helps a quarterback struggling with accuracy? A big, reliable target. You know just who might fill that bill? Second-year wide out Josh Doctson.

While Santana Moss said Doctson "might be the best receiver on this team," we'll have to take his word for it until head coach Jay Gruden actually lets him get onto the field with any regularity. Until then, Redskins fans will have to settle for large doses of Ryan Grant and not throwing to Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Reed. Consider me dubious of the chatter this week about Doctson not being 100 percent. 

It was much more telling when, during the same press conference, Gruden said Doctson has to earn more playing time. Look, in theory it's great to play hard ass and hold playing time over a young guy's head to show him you mean business. But, in reality, this offense hasn't look good since Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson were let go, so letting a quality asset ride the pine just to make a statement isn't exactly what's best for business.

You know what else helps a quarterback get into rhythm? A running game.

Stop me if you've heard this before: the rushing attack got off to a slow start, leading Gruden to abandon the ground game almost entirely (17 run plays versus 40 passing plays). From there, the team's one-dimensional attack became even more narrowly focused thanks to Cousins' insistence on forcing the ball to receiver-in-training Pryor. In related news, Philadelphia had little trouble shutting down the Redskins’ offense.

Thanks largely to struggles along the offensive line (Cousins was pressured on 19 of 47 dropbacks), the Redskins allowed five sacks and the team turned the ball over four times. Right tackle Morgan Moses in particular had an off day, seemingly bested by whoever lined up against him. If Washington is going to actually produce yards on the ground or give Cousins enough time to complete his three-step drop, it’ll have to start with better output from Moses.

During the Jeff Fisher era, the Rams were chronically mediocre – winning seven or eight games per season while being completely unwatchable in the process. After five forgettable seasons, Fisher was let go and replaced by 31-year-old Sean McVay.

Anyone watching "All or Nothing: A Season with the Los Angeles Rams" on Amazon Prime immediately noticed the stark contrast between Fisher and the former Redskins offensive coordinator, who comes across as someone you'd love to work for in any capacity.

While Fisher couldn't be bothered to develop talent on offense, McVay seems to have been just what the doctor ordered for the Rams, who struggled to put points on the board last year, but scored five touchdowns in a 46-9 blowout over the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Prior to the arrival of the youngest head coach in modern NFL history, quarterback Jared Goff was destined to be a bust, running back Todd Gurley looked lost and no receiver on the Rams roster appeared to be anything other than average.

With McVay calling the shots last season, the Redskins offense averaged more than 400 yards per game for the first time in franchise history while also finishing as the league’s third-best offense. So it should come as no surprise that McVay looks like he’s doing more of the same in Los Angeles.

Goff completed 21 of 29 attempts for 306 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Gurley picked up a total of 96 yards (40 rushing and 56 receiving) and a touchdown (although he was limited to just 2.1 yards per carry). And a rookie wide out allegedly named Cooper Kupp burst onto the scene with four catches on six targets for 76 yards and a touchdown.

In summary: the Rams already look leaps and bounds better than at any point in recent memory under Fisher.

McVay knows the Redskins organization as well as anybody -- warts and all. Those who know him best call him detail oriented, so it's safe to assume he'll be prepared to take on the franchise he called home for the last seven seasons.

Where might he look to attack? For starters, I'm guessing he's looking forward to exploiting Washington's deficiencies on 3rd-and-long. While outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan scored the team’s first touchdown of the 2017 season, inside linebacker Zach Brown and cornerback Kendall Fuller were the two best defenders wearing burgundy and gold in Week 1. For the record, cornerback Josh Norman had a solid outing as well, but wasn’t as involved as Brown or Fuller.

Those three alone weren’t enough to get the job done however, as the defense still allowed the Eagles to convert eight (out of 14) 3rd downs. Simply put, that’s not good enough.

The areas that I am focused on heading into this pivotal match-up:

1. Will head coach Jay Gruden actually stick with the Redskins running game long enough to keep the Rams defense honest?
2. Can the safety combination of D.J. Swearinger and Deshazor Everett rebound from their uneven Week 1 effort?
3. Which team limits mistakes and wins the turnover battle?

I have a feeling the answers to those three questions will go a long way towards determining the mood and/or panic level at Redskins Park next week.

AUDIO

PHOTOS

 
Philadelphia 30 - 17 Washington

It's a late hello to all my friends. I am JimmiJo and I am joined by my partner; Spaceman Spiff.

Together we will bring you the sights and sounds of today's game. I love the first game of the year. It is full of promise and expectancy. All records are even and this is where we begin to define the legacy.

So what to expect from this game and this team? For the first time in a long time I am not sure what to expect. I don't think we saw anything like the real team in preseason. Then too, I think we did witness some of the shortcomings:

- New receiving corps has brought the challenge of working with a QB on timing and anticipation

- The run game continues to be a riddle head coach Jay Gruden cannot solve. This has been the case since he arrived.

- And what of the defense? There is talent more so than we have seen for some time. Let's hope that talent can gel into a cohesive unit.

So late start, let me get going here.

Stand by...

Inactives

- 34 Mack Brown

- 38 Joshua Holsey

- 40 Josh Harvey-Clemmons

- 68 Tyler Catalina

- 69 T.J. Clemmons

- 72 Anthony Lanier II

- 87 Jeremy Sprinkle

Kickoff

Color me nervous.

Half

All the bad stuff I feared happened in that half. Turnovers. Anemic offense. Lack of preparedness. Philadelphia jumping out to a lead.

But then something happened. Opportune plays. Mistakes by Eagles, and the offense finally woke up.

We have a game folks.

JimmiJo

You didn’t have to watch the game to know who won. A quick glance at the stats tells the story:

- First Downs Eagles 19 – 16 Redskins
- Third Down Efficiency Eagles 8/14 57% - Redskins 3/11 27%
- Total Net Yards Eagles 356 – Redskins 264
- Fumbles/Lost Eagles 1-1 – Redskins 3-3
- Touchdowns 3 – Redskins 2
- Field Goals Eagles 3-3 – Redskins 1-1
- Time of Possession Eagles 34:16 – Redskins 25:44

It was a game of catch up from the start. Washington’s offense could not get in gear at first. Except for a few drives it never really did. Meanwhile Philadelphia scored on their opening drive. Two drives later, the Eagles took advantage of a muffed Redskins’ punt to match down and score again. A missed extra point made things interesting for a time.

Kirk Cousins did little to justify a shiny new contract. He finished the day 23/40 for 240-yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception and a passer rating of 72.9. His accuracy was poor. He often threw over the receivers, or behind them. The pick at the end of the game was unforgivable.

Cousins said after the game he was trying to lead Terrell Pryor III to a spot which was never going to amount to anything.

The rushing attack did little to help. Washington amassed 64-yards rushing. Rob Kelley logged 30-yards on 10-carries. Cousins contributed, rushing for 30-yards on 4-carries.

The Redskins will need help from the backs if this is going to work.

Washington’s defense was the highlight for the Redskins. They pressured Carson Wentz throughout the game. Wentz was sacked twice, hit nine times and with four tackles-for-loss.

But it was the busted plays that got Washington in hot water. The first touchdown was on a busted play. So was the big conversion for first down with just over 8-minutes to go.

But the defense did enough to allow the Redskins to hang around. So much so that it looked like the Redskins were set to take the lead again early in the fourth quarter. On third-and-six with Washington set to take the lead, Cousins overthrew Jamison Crowder and was picked at the goal line by Jalen Mills.

On one play Washington when from at least a 1-point lead to watching the Eagles begin another march downfield.

The Redskins’ defense would hold the Eagles on that drive. Ditto the one following.

But Washington can only hold off bad luck for so long.

The Eagles marched to the Redskins’ 20-yard line before stalling. They added a field foal to their 2-point lead to go up five at the two minute warning.

Washington began their drive at their own 25. On 2nd and 3, Cousins was hit, then appear to have the ball knocked out of his hand by Fletcher Cox, who then picked up the ball and took it in the end zone for the score. Reviews of the play showed Cousins was going forward to throw.

The referees saw it different however and upheld the call, making it 30-17, which is how the game ended.

Anyone who watched the Redskins’ preseason had concerns about this game. Washington lacked urgency throughout the preseason. They had very little time together as a unit before today, and it showed.

I was concerned when I realized both the number 1 and 2 receivers were leaving the team. Today I believe we saw that lack of chemistry and timing. The good news is time should produce a better product.

Until then however, we are going to have to suffer through an inconsistent offense and our share of losses.

I had a fabulous time today, though I was not able to get audio beyong the coach and Cousins. I will see you for the next home game.

Hail.

» The Redskins evening their all-time record in season openers at 41-41-4 with a win. A victory would also push their record in openers to 25-23 since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
» The Redskins attempting to snap a four-game losing streak in season openers. The team won three straight Week 1 contests from 2010-12 prior to the current streak.
» The Redskins opening against an NFC opponent to snap a three-year stretch in which the Redskins opened against AFC competition every year from 2014-16.
» The Redskins opening a season at home for a third consecutive season, marking the franchise’s first stretch of three straight season openers at home since opening six consecutive seasons at home from 2002-07.
» The Redskins improving to 18-13 in Week 1 home games since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. The win would push Washington to 9-5 all-time at FedExField on Kickoff Weekend.
» The Redskins opening a season against a division opponent for the 29th time all-time, dating back to the Boston Redskins’ season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates in an NFL Eastern Division clash on Sept. 13, 1936.
» The Redskins seeking a sixth straight victory against Philadelphia for the first time since posting a six-game winning streak in the series across the 1981-84 seasons. The Redskins have won five consecutive games against the Eagles dating back to 2014.
» The Redskins pushing their all-time record against the Eagles including postseason play to 87-73-5, including season series sweeps in 2015 and 2016.
» The Redskins adding to their current 86 all-time wins against the Eagles (Including postseason play), their most against any opponent.
» The Redskins improving to 45-35-3 all-time in home games against the Eagles. The Redskins enter 2017 having earned wins in four of their last five home games against Philadelphia.
» The Redskins seeking their first four-game home winning streak against Philadelphia since the 1981-84 seasons.
» The Redskins recording a sack in a 25th consecutive regular season game, dating back to 2015. Washington’s active streak of 24 ranks first in the NFC and second in the NFL (Cincinnati, 29).
» The Redskins posting a sack in a 25th consecutive regular season game to tie for the third-longest such streak in team history since the NFL adopted sacks as an official statistic in 1982. The previous 25-game streak was recorded by the Redskins from Week 1 of the 1982 season to Week 16 of the 1983 season.

» Head Coach Jay Gruden winning his 22nd game with the Redskins to take sole possession of eighth-most in team history.

» Quarterback Kirk Cousins starting a 33rd consecutive regular season game for the Redskins, the third-longest streak by a Redskins quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger behind Joe Theismann (60 from 1980-84) and Mark Rypien (41 from 1990-93).
» Cousins entering the game third in NFL history in completion percentage (65.9) among players with at least 1,500 career attempts.
» Cousins adding to his team records for career 300-yard passing games (19, including 18 in regular season play) and 400-yard passing games (three).
» Cousins (12,113) accruing 240 passing yards to move past Billy Kilmer (12,352) for the fifth-most career passing yards in Redskins history.
» Cousins (72) throwing three touchdown passes to join Sammy Baugh, Sonny Jurgensen, Joe Theismann, Billy Kilmer and Mark Rypien as the only quarterbacks to record 75 career touchdown passes as a member of the Redskins.
» Cousins (nine) rushing for a touchdown to tie Joe Theismann (10) for the second-most career rushing touchdowns by a Redskins quarterback.

» Tight end Vernon Davis (505) catching a pass to move past Dallas Clark and Frank Wycheck (505 each) for sole possession of 10th on the NFL’s list of career receptions by a tight end.
» Davis (6,424) gaining 146 receiving yards to move past Heath Miller (6,569) for the 10th-most career receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history.
» Davis adding to his 57 career touchdown receptions, eighth most of any tight end in NFL history.
» Davis catching three touchdowns to tie former Redskins great Jerry Smith (60) for sixth-most touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history.

» Kicker Dustin Hopkins (five) kicking his sixth career field goal of 50 yards or more to take sole possession of third-most in team history.

» Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan starting his 97th consecutive regular season game, the second-longest active streak among active NFL linebackers. Kerrigan has not missed a start in his NFL career.
» Kerrigan (58.5) posting 1.5 sacks to become the third member of the Redskins to record 60.0 sacks since the NFL adopted sacks as an official statistic in 1982 (Dexter Manley and Charles Mann).

» Tight end Jordan Reed (248) recording two receptions to become the 12th player to catch 250 career passes as a member of the Redskins. He would be the Redskins’ third tight end to reach the milestone, joining Chris Cooley and Jerry Smith.
» Reed (20) catching a touchdown pass to tie Jean Fugett (21) for third-most career receiving touchdowns by a tight end in Redskins history

» The Redskins kicking off their 86th season in franchise history, dating back to their debut as the Boston Braves in 1932.
» The Redskins representing Washington, D.C., for an 81st straight season, dating back to the team’s move to the District prior to the team’s 1937 championship season.
» The Redskins finishing a third consecutive season with a winning percentage above .500 for the first time since a four-year span from 1989-92.
» The Redskins (586) attempting to win 14 regular season games to become the fifth franchise in NFL history with 600 regular season wins all-time.
» The Redskins (team record 6,454 in 2016) posting back-to-back 6,000-yard seasons on offense for the first time in team history.
» The Redskins exceeding 5,000 offensive yards for a 13th straight season. Only five other NFL teams have an active streak of 12 or more seasons with 5,000 yards (Green Bay, New Orleans, New England, Philadelphia and Dallas).
» The Redskins amassing 4,000 passing yards in four consecutive seasons for the first time in team history.
» The Redskins throwing at least 25 touchdown passes as a team in three consecutive seasons for the first time in team history.
» The Redskins allowing 30 or fewer sacks in three consecutive seasons for the first time since a seven-season span from 1986-92.
» The Redskins (No. 3 in 2016) finishing in the Top 5 in the NFL in total offense in back-to-back seasons for the first time since a three-year stretch from 1989-91.
» The Redskins (No. 2 in 2016) posting back-to-back seasons in the Top 5 in the NFL in passing yards per game a five-year run from 1987-91.
» The Redskins (24) extending their current streak of consecutive regular season games with at least one sack, which enters 2017 as the fourth-longest in team history since the NFL made sacks an official statistic in 1982.
» The Redskins (+5 in 2015, even in 2016) finishing even or better in turnover differential in three consecutive seasons for the first time since 1999-2001.
» The Redskins (No. 4 in 2016) posting consecutive seasons in the Top 5 in the NFL in punt return average for the first time since leading the league in the category in both the 1994 and 1995 seasons.

» Head Coach Jay Gruden joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Ray Flaherty, George Allen and Joe Gibbs as the only coaches in team history to lead the franchise to multiple postseason berths.
» Gruden (21) chasing Nos. 6 Mike Shanahan and Jack Pardee (24) and No. 5 Joe Kuharich (26) on the Redskins’ list of all-time wins by a coach.

» The following players appearing in enough contests to reach 100 career regular season games played: guard Shawn Lauvao (15), linebacker Mason Foster (14), long snapper Nick Sundberg (nine), linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (four) and tackle Trent Williams (three).
» Kerrigan and Williams starting four games each to reach 100 career regular season starts.

» Cornerback Bashaud Breeland recording multiple interceptions to become the first member of the Redskins to open a career with four consecutive multi-interception seasons since Fred Smoot (2001-04).

» Quarterback Kirk Cousins starting all 16 games for a third consecutive season to become the first Redskins quarterback to do so since the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978.
» Cousins (41) starting nine games to become the eighth quarterback to start 50 career regular season games for the Redskins, joining Joe Theismann, Sonny Jurgensen, Sammy Baugh, Billy Kilmer, Mark Rypien, Eddie LeBaron and Jason Campbell.
» Cousins (No. 3 in 2016) becoming the first player in team history to finish in the Top 3 in the NFL in passing yards in a season in back-to-back years since Sonny Jurgensen in 1966-67.
» Cousins throwing for 4,000 yards for a third consecutive season. It would mark the 14th instance of a quarterback posting three straight 4,000-yard seasons in NFL history. (Note: Carson Palmer, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston can also accomplish the feat in 2017).
» Cousins (1,556) chasing No. 6 Jason Campbell (1,637) and No. 5 Billy Kilmer (1,791) on the team’s all-time pass attempts list.
» Cousins (1,025) chasing No. 4 Mark Rypien (1,244) on the team’s all-time pass completions list.
» Cousins (12,113) chasing No. 5 Billy Kilmer (12,352) and No. 4 Mark Rypien (15,928) on the team’s all-time passing yardage list.
» Cousins (72) chasing No. 5 Mark Rypien (101) and No. 4 Billy Kilmer (103) on the team’s all-time passing touchdowns list.
» Cousins throwing 20 passing touchdowns to become the first Redskins quarterback with three consecutive 20-touchdown seasons.
» Cousins throwing 25 passing touchdowns to become the first player in team history to record 25 or more passing touchdowns in a season three times.
» Cousins posting a 100.0 or better passer rating to become the first Redskins quarterback to post multiple 100-rating seasons (min. 100 attempts).

» Wide receiver Jamison Crowder becoming the first player to lead the Redskins in receiving touchdowns in back-to-back seasons
since Chris Cooley in 2006-07. He would be the first wide receiver to accomplish the feat since Santana Moss in 2005-06. (Note: Cooley and Moss tied for the team lead in 2006).
» Crowder (No. 4 in 2016) attempting to become the first member of the Redskins to finish in the Top 5 in the NFL in punt return average in back-to-back years since Mike Nelms in 1980-81.
» Crowder becoming the eighth player to record multiple career punt returns for touchdown with his next score, joining Brian Mitchell, Rickie Harris, Dick Todd, Bert Zagers, Cliff Battles, Mike Nelms and Johnny Williams.

» Tight end Vernon Davis (505) chasing No. 9 Kellen Winslow (541) and No. 8 Jeremy Shockey (547) on the NFL’s list of career receptions by a tight end.
» Davis (6,424) chasing No. 10 Heath Miller (6,569), No. 9 Kellen Winslow (6,741), No. 8 Greg Olsen (7,365) and No. 7 Pete Retzlaff (7,412) on the NFL’s list of career receiving yards by a tight end.
» Davis (57) chasing No. 7 Jimmy Graham (59), No. 6 Jerry Smith (60), No. 5 Shannon Sharpe (62) and No. 4 Jason Witten (63) on the NFL’s list of career receiving touchdowns by a tight end.

» Safety DeAngelo Hall (five) returning a fumble for a touchdown to tie Jason Taylor (six) for the most career fumble return touchdowns in NFL history.
» Hall improving upon his 43 career interceptions, most among active NFL players.
» Hall (23) chasing No. 9 Ken Houston (24), Nos. 7 Pat Fischer and Mark Murphy (27), No. 6 Paul Krause (28) and others on the Redskins’ all-time interception list.

» Kicker Dustin Hopkins (59) chasing No. 5 Kai Forbath (80), No. 4 Shaun Suisham (81) and No. 3 Curt Knight (101) on the team’s list of career field goals made.

Happy Friday & enjoy.   

Welcome to ES's blog coverage of the final preseason game, I'm HapHaszard in the pressbox and TK will be on the sidelines.  Everyone says this isn't an important game but to the players on the bubble its a very important game.   Who will show up and grab one of the 53 or do well enough to make the practice squad.   Last year Fat Rob showed what he could do and made the 53, while Mac Brown made the practice squad.  Someone always surprises or at least validates what the coaches saw at training camp.  Will we see Matt Jones get enough on tape for another team to pick him up, or will he make the team keep him.  These questions and more will be answered tonight.  It is the final chance for many players.

This game belongs to Nate Sudfeld, plans are for him  to play the entire game.   Some of the local reporters are wondering if he will make the team this year.  From what I saw in training camp the few days I was there he still has a long way to go, and he gets limited chances to practice.  At training camp he seemed to be very streaky, one day he was really bad, the next day he seemed to have cleaned up some of the problems he had and threw some pretty balls.  The final day I was there I didn't get to see much of what he could do since I had to leave after walk-thru practice.  One thing I noticed was that he is so tall he has trouble getting down low to receive the snap, he looked really awkward the first day.  The second day he was bending his knees more and seemed a lot smoother and was throwing better.  He still isn't getting the ball out as fast as Cousins or McCoy.

From the 2017 media guide:  Nate Sudfeld played college football at Indiana from 2012-2015.  He appeared in 37 games, with 28 starts.  He exited Indiana ranked first in passing touchdowns (81), passing yards (7879), 350 yard games (6).  He was tied for first in 400 yard games (1).  So he does have potential, it just has to come out in these pre-season games.

I arrived at the team hotel around 12:30 and since I couldn't check in until 1pm I decided to have an adult beverage from the lobby bar,  I grabbed a table, happened to glance over to the next table and Clinton Portis was sitting there.  I had almost finished my refreshing beverage when I saw Sonny Jergenson sitting across the lobby in the lounge area, someone was sitting next to him, they looked familiar but I just couldn't place who he was.  All the Redskins media folks, Larry Michael and all were gathered around having their pictures taken with Sonny and the other person.  It wasn't until TK arrived that I found out it was Billy Killmer.  Boy has he changed, really gotten old, but then so have I.  I don't look much like me in the 60's and 70's.

Teams were on the field warming up but the Redskins have left for the locker room,  Tampa is now leaving also.  The stadium looks empty but it is still 20 minutes until kickoff.

Sudfeld's first series,  passing 4-0 for 36 yards, one delay of game and one sack.  Running game 2 for 0 yards.

Defense first series, hard to tell how that went since TB had delay of game and holding, Redskins had trouble stopping the run.

Sudfeld's second series, 3-2 passes, 3 runs for 6 yards ending in a 53 yard FG  3-0 Redskins  Run game is not working at this point.

Looks like TB has figured out our defense can't stop the run, 4 downs and ran for 1st down on 4 and 1.  Defense came thru finally stopped the run for a loss and TB punted.

1st Quarter

Redskins time of Possession 9:57  Tampa Bay 5:03. 

Running 6 for 6 yards

Passing 7 of 9 for 54 yards

In the second quarter the Redskins got the run game going finally.  They are moving the ball well against TB they have been in Tampa's end 2 series, first series gave the ball up on a 4th and 1 that was an incomplete pass.  Now at 1st and goal at the 7 yard line.  Matt Jones 6 yard run to the 1 but holding call cost them 10 yards and had to settle for a 36 yard FG attempt that was missed.

Half time Redskins - 3;   TB - 0

First downs Redskins - 12,  TB  - 2

Total net yards  Redskins - 194,  TB - 40

Total offensive plays  Redskins - 41, TB - 17

Net yards rushing   Redskins - 64, TB - 34

After looking at the 1st half stats, my feeling that TB was running well against the Redskins was an illusion. Funny how watching you get an impression of how things are going and then find out when you see the stats that you were not as astute as you thought you were.  Actually after the first series or two the Defense has played a very good game.  Defense  is gang tackling, seems like 2 or 3 hit the runner at the same time.

Redskins are moving the ball well they just don't seem to be able to put it into the end zone. 

Hopkins 50 yard FG  Redskins 6,  TB 0

TB Field Goal  now Redskins 6, TB 3

As of the end of the 3rd Quarter Redskins have 16 first downs to Tampa's 5.  Redskins have 290 total net yards to Tampa's 75.  The Redskins have Rushed for 112 yards and Tampa has 71.

Redskins pick 6 for TD Redskins 13, TB 3

My take on the game, for the second year in a row we have outplayed TB in the preseason.  Nate Sudfeld played much better than I was expecting..  Mack Brown did about what I was expecting him to do.  Quick, Hazel,and Sprinkle had good games, over all guys making it hard for the coaches come cut down day. 

Defense got sloppy and allowed Tampa to score a TD.  Score now Redskins 13 -10.

Final

Sudfeld 22 of 33 for 228 yards

Matt Brown 18 carries for 69 yards.

Hazel 4 receptions for 60 yards.

Total yards Redskins 360 to TB 242.

VICTORY!!!!

 Welcome everyone to your Preseason Week 3 coverage on Extremeskins, it's TSO here in the Press Box with my man @Spaceman Spiff, who will be providing his usual assortment of magnificent pics from the sidelines, ready to provide you the best damn coverage on the planet! 

    So here we are, as usual, placing way too much emphasis on a preseason game. We just can't help ourselves, can we? Especially not when the team has come out looking uninterested, flat, emotionally disconnected, or whatever amatuer psychobabble we find fitting to describe something we probably shouldn't. 

    Alas, that won't stop us!

    It's been pretty frustrating to see the offense sputter as much as it has. And while there are legitimate reasons for some of it (like the lack of practice time with Reed and Crowder - who are arguably the most important pass catchers on the team - as well as Doctson pulling his hamstring after starting out camp on fire), some of it has seemingly been inexplicable (like the generally poor play from the Oline as a unit, and specifically Brandon Sherff who's more often a massive positive than not). 

    The defense, on the other hand, has generally looked okay. Not great, by any means, and definitely not after Rodgers did what Rodgers does to people... but "looking great" is not something that truly matters during the preseason, anyway.

     We've seen solid play from Dlinemen like Anthony Lanier II, AJ Francis, Stacy McGee (outside of his two brain farts that resulted in penalties that gave both the Ravens and Packers first downs during otherwise stalled drives) and our beloved first rounder Jonathan Allen, while we've seen excellent play from Phil Taylor Sr. (who's just been an absolute wonderful surprise) and Matt Ioannidis (who seems primed to take a significant leap from his rookie year). We've all been relieved to see both Foster and Brown starting at ILB the last couple weeks. The secondary hasn't been tested so much, but they didn't look too good against Rodgers (specifically Breeland going up against Nelson), so hopefully we get a better showing there.

    In the end, I think it's safe to say we're all just looking for that spark. That glimpse into the potential of this roster and what they can do as a team. It's been too disappointing of a preseason to really feel good about anything, but there is no doubt that this roster has talent. Arguably more than it ever has during Snyder's tenure as owner and maybe even before that. But they need to start getting in sync; the players we've become accustomed to watching perform at a high level need to start, well, performing at a high level; the coaches need to show the fans they've got a motivated team with positional units working in concert with each other; and it'd be nice if some of the new pieces stepped up and showed us why they were added to the team or what the hype is all about (perhaps none more important than Chase Roullier, who will be starting for an injured Spencer Long at Center). 

   It's time.

   I don't feel like we can afford another ugly outing. The anxieties about Gruden's methodology during the offseason will be hard to not view as legitimate. The concern that it'll leak into the season, as it arguably did last year, will be overwhelming. They need to show up today and send out some good vibes. Stay tuned here on the ES Coverage Blog as well as the ES Gameday Thread and let's find out if they do together! 

ES EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS BY SPACEMAN SPIFF

ES EXCLUSIVE ONE ON ONE INTERVIEWS

OTHER INTERVIEWS

PRE-GAME TWEETS AND GENERAL INFO

Half Time Analysis

Alright. So, terrible first quarter, better second quarter.

It was really nice to see us finally get our running game going for the first time this preseason. Kelley and Perine both looked sharp once the offense got going a bit in the 2nd quarter. Roullier has looked really good out there. Sherff started out looking terrible again, but then really picked it up in the 2nd quarter. Can say that about the entire Oline, really. It's been frustrating to watch Pryor have as many drops as he's had, but fortunately he also picked it up with a great catch. Kirk has been inaccurate, consistently pressured, and just generally looking out of sync with his receivers, but again, he picked it up. The pick six was just woeful, though it seemed to light a fire since after that the offense started moving the ball.

Defensively, they looked good after that pathetic first drive. Our Dline hasn't looked good, but hasn't looked bad, either. Seeing Taylor go down was depressing, especially since he's been having the best preseason on the line. Hood is still an issue, but he had some good plays. Allen looks like he has looked... flashing potential but definitely not really impactful yet. A rookie, basically. Ioannidis didn't look as good as he has in the previous two games, but not bad. McGee had a nice rush, and McClain was just okay. Both Francis and Mbu looked good. The secondary is a little scary right now. That first drive was just horrendous, everyone off, no tight coverage, easy completions galore. Frustrating crap. But they picked up a bit, as well, and it was great seeing Norman make some impact plays. 

Alright, be back after the game with our usual locker room interviews and awesome pics from Spaceman Spiff, see you then!   

 Landover, MD -   Greetings to all my fellow ES'ers and ES'ettes! It's your neighborhood friendly TSO up here in the Press Box at FedEx Field along with the greatest photographer in the universe (verified fact, he has a plaque stating such), my man @Spaceman Spiff. We're here to provide you the best Redskins' coverage you'll find on the planet and, perhaps, in the universe - though I must admit Planet X5567 from the Controria Quadrant does a pretty good job of it themselves. Sorry for that, news of an Obi-Wan Kenobi movie in the making clearly has me overly geeked out.  

    Anywho, does this feel like just another preseason game to you? Not if you're as hardcore as we folk here on ES are. We had talk of Jay's "soft" approach to Training Camp, of which arguably cost us big time last year when the team came out and laid a massive goose egg against the Steelers during the season opener, all week where some felt last week's game against the Ravens was another indication of such an approach. Jay himself, to his credit, admitted during his presser on Wednesday:

Quote

 .......I just think when you talk about ‘wakeup call,’ I just think everybody has to come out and understand the other team has an agenda also. We didn’t match the same agenda, and that’s probably my fault. You know, six plays, two three-and-outs for the No. 1 offense wasn’t what we expected, but we expect our offense  to come out and play a little bit better, more physical, try to get the running game going a little bit. Two-point-two yards per carry is what I was most disappointed in the whole game. For us to be a physical football team, we have to be able to run the ball better.”

Also, this: 

  Not to mention the anxiousness that exists within the fanbase to see our Defense show signs of real, identifiable legitimacy - if it exists at all - where every gaffe is honed in on and nitpicked to death. I'll also be continuing my intense focus on the Dline that started with last week's game here.

   Then there are the players we haven't seen yet due to injuries. Of course, that starts first and foremost with none other than Josh Docston. We've seen such a minimal amount of live snaps from our 2016 1st rounder it's cut a deep gash in our fan souls. He's a game time decision so we'll find out soon enough if we'll be given some much needed healing. Preston Smith should be playing today along with Jamison Crowder, who will both look to get their first snaps of the preseason. And don't forget some of the young'ns who finally started practicing this week which leads me to the final proof of this game's heightened meaning...

    The still strong and remaining excitement regarding the potential of this year's draft picks. Whether it's our early picks in Allen and Anderson (another game time decision) or the later round guys like Sprinkle, Harvey-Clemons and Holsey... every player has buzz surrounding them. And as alluded to above, our mid-round guys in Fabian Moreau and Montae Nicholson should finally be getting some snaps for us to dig into.    

So, yeah, suffice to say I'm certainly excited. Preseason or not, I can't wait to see what goes down! 

Stay tuned for more tweets, notes, player interviews and general coverage all throughout the day, pre-game and post-game! 

As usual when I do this, I'll be focusing in on the trenches (well, mostly) since everyone will be following the ball. Got the binoculars ready to go.   

1st Quarter Notes

-Shawn Lauvao driven back on first snap for offense. No gain for Rob Kelley. 

- Moreau, first snap in the NFL, causes fumble on punt return! 

- Ty Nsekhe gives up pressure to Matthews on following snap, 4th offensive snap of the game. 

- Oline holding up well outside of those two gaffes. 

-  McGee, Hood and McClain starting on the Line, nice pressure first snap from all of them. 

- Nothing much from any of the DLinemen the next two snaps. Allen and Ioannidis were in the nickel defense on 3rd down.  

-  McGee, Hood and McClain again on following play after penalty. McGee with a nice run stop. Gets off his man, makes tackle.

- Next play, Hood pushed back, allowing 5 yard gain from RB. 

- Allen over pursues, leaves gap on run play following a few quick plays from Rodgers. 

- Ioannidis follows with a good run stop.

- Ioannidis with a good pass rush on following 3rd down. Rodgers does Rodgers' things and runs for a first. 

- Terrell McClain with a good rush on 2nd and 6. 

- Hood and McClain are the linemen in near the goal line. Do a nice job on 1st and goal after penalty to allow Foster to get the run stop. 

- Zach Brown played that well on the TD, just a good throw and good catch by Rodgers and Bennett. 

- Nsekhe and Sherff struggle on pass off, Sherff gives up pressure on second snap of ensuing offensive drive.    

- Fabian Moreau again doing a great job on the punt, first guy there and finishes the tackle. 

- McGee, Hood and McClain your starting linemen. 

- Sack was mostly Preston Smith, but McGee does a good job getting immediate push. 

- Allen and Ioannidis in. Allen with great awareness on screen. Sniffs it out immediately and gets in on tackle. Ioannidis did well to get immediate pressure on QB, but he was essentially allowed a free release since it was a screen. 

- Not much of a rush on following 3rd down from Allen or Ioannidis. 

- Offense back out. Moses is in. 

- Just no movement from Lauvao on run play, Moses pulling inside also nothing. 

- Following 3rd and 1, Moses and Sherff do nice job getting some push to allow Kelley to get the first.    

2nd Quarter Notes

- Oline doing well first two plays of 2nd quarter. 

- 1st down after penalty by Packers on 3rd down, Lauvao pulling but finds no one. Kelley still got a couple yards. 

- Ensuing 3rd down, Oline all do a good job in pass protection. 

- Lauvao pulls again on 4th down, not finding anyone. Surprised they didn't get the first, though. Seemed like it was enough. 

-  Ioannidis, Francis and Hood in now at Dline.

- Francis pushed back on the first play, run picks up a chunk.  

-  McGee and McClain in the nickel. Nothing much from either. 

- Same on the next play near the goal line. 

-  I'm dying right now, some Packer's media in front of me all excited, fist bumping after every TD. Probably some fan bloggers, it's annoying though. 

- Offense back out. 

- Oline does a great job on 2nd down. As clean a pocket as all night.

- Again, on 3rd down, nice job. Kirk with a dime. Finally. 

- Lauvao on following play with zero push, but Trent gets it. Kelley with decent gain.

- Thus far, the Oline really looks exactly the same as last year. Good at pass protection, but just no push in the running game. Frustrating. 

-  Lanier and Taylor out on the DLine now. Both do a good job on first down run. Pick up of 4 not their fault.

- Following play, Phil Taylor destroys his guy and gets into the QBs face quickly, great pass rush. 

- Following play on 3rd down, both are stymied and don't generate any rush.

- Following play, Lanier with a decent rush, but took a while to get off his guy.

- Play after the next, 3rd down, Phil Taylor with a great rush, beats his guy immediately, and finishes with the sack. He just looks the part. 

- Offense back out. 

- Following big play to Vernon down the sideline, Lauvao gives up pressure. 

- Following 1st down pass to Doctson, Lauvao gives up another pressure.

- 1st and Goal, no push upfront on run play. Thompson loses two yards.  

- 2nd and Goal, do a good job in pass protection.

- 4th and Goal, good pass pro, TD.

Half Time Analysis

   Welp, another frustrating preseason outing so far, but thankfully the first team offense scored their first TD of the preseason at the very end. 

   My major takeaways regarding the lines are:

1) The Oline seems to be exactly the same as last year. Strong in pass pro and unable to get any push in the run game. They're still too high, too often, and Lauvao is a liability.

2) As for the Dline, it was also a bit disappointing in comparison to last week when they played much better, but they weren't necessarily a negative. Phil Taylor looks great. Everyone else was just... meh. 

    As for the game, it was nice to see Fabian Moreau out there making plays on Special Teams. He looks the part, and even the bomb he gave up wasn't necessarily bad coverage on his end. Seeing Spaight get that big hit in the backfield was sweet. Montae Nicholson looked good, as well. Breeland struggled against Nelson, which is becoming a pattern for him at this point. The TD Zach Brown gave up was simply a great throw and catch from Rodgers to Bennett, and otherwise he looked good out there along with Foster. Compton actually had a nice play blowing up an OLineman.  

    Kirk was on and off, as was the entire first team offense. Not sure what is going on with them, but they've always got one or two guys failing. It was great to see Doctson out there towards the end, and he should've had a TD, but the moment he came free Kirk looked the other way, panicking in the red zone. But, yeah, can't help but get excited by Doctson. 

   Alrighty, let's see what happens the following half. Hopefully we get to see better overall play from the second teamers. 

3rd Quarter Notes

- Lanier and Mbu the Dlinemen 

- 2nd down, Lanier with a great pass rush, generates the hold! 

- 3rd down, Mbu with a great pass rush, spinning his way to a sack. He had a terrible game last week, so this is good to see. 

- Your 2nd Team Oline: Nsekhe, Kalis, Roullier, Catalina, and Painter. 

- They do a good job on first down run to the left. Perine gains 4.

- 2nd down run, Catalina doesn't get the push you'd like, but everyone else does a good job. 

- 3rd down, they do a decent job in pass rush. Nsekhe and Catalina pushed back a little bit, but maintain. 

- Middle of the line does a great job getting push on ensuing run. 

- Ensuing throw, Catalina gives up a pressure. 

- 3rd down, Painter lost on the outside, but McCoy gets it off quick. 

- Lanier, Francis and Taylor out at Dline now. 

- 3rd down, Lanier with a nice pass rush.

- These guys in front of me are actually flipping out about the way the Packers are playing right now. What the!?  

- 1st down, Roullier, I believe, falls down and gives up a pressure. May not have been him, happened fast. 

- 2nd down, they do a good job run blocking except Catalina who ends up on the floor.

- 3rd down, good job all around. Big run by Perine to the outside. 

- Following play, Catalina gets no push, everyone else does but only slightly so. No gain from Perine. 

- 3rd down, Kalis loses his one on one, but McCoy throws quick to Paul for a TD. 

- Francis and Mbu are your Dlinemen. 

- Mbu looks really good today... beat his man right away, but run was away from him.

- Aaaand then he follows it up with good penetration, playing a role in the near sack fumble.     

- Offense back on. Bootleg, but Roullier doesn't seem to find his target, who almost gets McCoy. 

- Next play, great double team from Painter and Catalina, good push in general from the rest. Perine for a nice gain. 

- Next play, most get push, Roullier does a great job getting to the second level. 

- Following play, good pass pro from the entire Line. 

- Few plays later, last play of the 3rd quarter, Line does another great job in pass pro. 

4th Quarter Notes

- Mbu, Francis and Lanier are your Dlinemen.

- 2nd down, all three get pushed back slightly. Not very good, but only a gain of 3 for the rush. 

- 3rd down and short, again all three get pushed back. 

- Following 2nd down, Francis with a good run stop. Maintains leverage, sheds, makes tackle on run to the outside right. 

- Same OLine out, but Sudfeld and Matt Jones in.

- 2nd down, good push from all except Roullier, who gets pushed back slightly. 

- Mbu and Banks are your Dlinemen. 

- 2nd down, Banks beats his man for a nice rush, but QB gets it off quickly. 

- 3rd down, no pass rush from either.

- Not much from either of them the next few snaps, as well. TD Green Bay.  

- 3rd string Oline in now. Not much to note here. 

- Lanier, Pipkins and Banks in on the Dline.

- Few plays into the drive, Lanier beats his man soundly but running back too far outside of him to affect play.

- 3rd down with about 2:40 on the clock, zero rush from the Dline. 

- Offense back out. Kuandjio just got beat badly, Sudfeld hit hard but gets the ball out and Davis makes a great play on it.    

- Play after the roughing penalty, Kling just did a crap job on the speed rush. Sudfeld sacked. 

- 2nd and 17, good pass pro from all involved. 

- Good pass pro again on the following 3rd down.

Entire Exclusive ES Photo Gallery by @Spaceman Spiff found here: 

Player interviews found here:

Highlights from ES Exclusive Interviews: 

Pre-Game Tweets

Alrighty fellow ESers, I'll be doing the ES coverage up in the press box at FedEx for the next two preseason games with my main man @Spaceman Spiff taking awesome pics of the action as usual! 

As I did last year, I'll be focusing on players (or in this case entire positions) that have intrigued us all offseason. I'll go through what I saw in the previous games and, as we journey through the preseason, who improved or regressed along the way. 

And what has intrigued us all more than the Dline this offseason? 

So, first, a quick primer as to how I've approached this. I've uploaded a bunch of videos I took of the Dline's snaps to twitter since that seems to be the easiest method to embed stuff here. 

The videos I took are essentially snaps that I thought either had a clear win or a clear loss by any single Dlineman or more. I judged wins/losses more off of the initial movement generated, or ground given up, from the player so as to keep it as basic as possible and avoid schematic context. The snaps that occurred where neither a win nor a loss necessarily occurred (player did nothing impactful either way) were omitted in this count. However, that only happened on a few occasions, the majority of snaps held some intrigue for us. 

At the end of this, I'm going to compile the number of wins and losses for each player, and then I'll continue to do this throughout the next two preseason games. Click on the videos to see the line of text detailing said wins/losses. 

Shall we begin? 

(Apologies for the small text size of the chart, wanted it to fit properly in a mobile format, as well)

 Player                    Wins     Losses    Snaps Accounted For*

63 Brandon Banks      1              1                         2

69 AJ Francis              7               1                         8

72 Anthony Lanier      8              1                         11

73 Ondre Pipkins        1                1                         2

78 Joey Mbu               0                8                        11

90 Ziggy Hood            0                3                          6

92 Stacy McGee         5                2                          7

95 Jonathan Allen      2                 0                        5

97 Terrell McClain      2                 0                        2

98 Matt Ioannidis        3                 1                       4

99 Phil Taylor             5                 0                        5

*Total snaps accounted for is just a tally of snaps where a win/loss occurred on the Dline, and not a total snap count. That being said, the number somewhat reflects total snap counts since the majority of snaps had a win/loss occur.  

So what did I learn from this? Let's go down the list. 

-Brandon Banks didn't play many snaps, only coming in towards the end of the game (along with Pipkins). So his competition was weak, as well. He had 1 (slight) win and 1 loss, while the 2 snaps accounted for were pretty much all that he did. 

-AJ Francis had a great game, tallying 7 wins to only 1 loss. He played early on and often, but mostly after the Ravens' first-stringers came off the field. That was out of 11 snaps accounted for, so only 3 of those snaps were ones where he wasn't impactful either way (again, that doesn't include other snaps where no Dlineman won or loss, but it shouldn't be much more than that). 

-Anthony Lanier also had an excellent game, tallying 8 wins and only 1 loss. His 1 loss came after a snap in which you could see he was clearly tired after the whistle, so it was almost expected. He played a lot, but like Francis came in after the 1st stringers for the Ravens went off the field. That was out of 11 snaps accounted for, so 3 of those snaps were ones that were neither negative nor positive along with those unaccounted for. 

-Ondre Pipkins, as mentioned above, came into the game late with Banks and didn't have many snaps overall. Like Banks, he had 1 win and 1 loss, though his win was certainly a better one. 

- Joey Mbu didn't perform well at all. It's surprising considering he opened up TC as the guy getting the most reps with the first team at NT and had a decent amount of buzz surrounding him all offseason. But you can totally see why he lost ground to both Taylor and Francis. He ended up with 8 losses and a whopping 0 wins out of the 11 snaps accounted for. He played a significant chunk of the game, but like Lanier and Francis it was mostly against the Ravens 2nd and 3rd teams.

- Ziggy Hood also had a poor game. 3 losses to 0 wins on 6 snaps accounted for. He played mostly against the first team of the Ravens. With Hood, there was a decent amount of snaps he played more than what was accounted for, but that only means he did nothing impactful (negative or positive) in any of them including the other 3 that were. Let's see how it goes the rest of the preseason, but overall he had more plays than not that neither were positive nor negative, and he had 3 clear losses. 

- Stacy McGee had a solid outing, winning 5 snaps and losing on 2 out of the 7 snaps accounted for. He got a decent amount of time in against the first team, as well. His wins weren't necessarily big time ones, but he was a net positive overall

- Jonathan Allen was an interesting case. The consensus opinion was that he had a good game, and I agree with that to a degree, but his plays mostly came against the 2nd team of the Ravens. He got a decent amount of snaps against their first team, but those neither ended up as wins or losses. Either way, he had 2 wins and 0 losses overall on the 5 snaps I accounted for (so you can see he had a bunch of plays where he was more inconsequential than not). Not too shabby for his first outing as a pro, either way, and he got himself one of the better "wins" of the night with a sack. He shows great awareness for a rookie, as well, which is why he's always around the ball.      

- Terrell McClain had a solid outing. Which was a surprise because after the game it seemed like most were down on him. He didn't play against the first team of the Ravens, but he finished with 2 wins and 0 losses on the 2 snaps I accounted for with him in. One of his wins was one of the better ones of the entire night.

-  Matt Ioaniddis had a good outing, with 3 wins and 1 loss on the 4 snaps I accounted for with him in. He got a significant amount of reps against the first team Ravens as well as their 2nd team, and the good news is that 2 of his wins came against their first team. 

- Finally, Phil Taylor came in with a solid performance. He mostly played against the first team of the Ravens and finished with 5 wins and 0 losses in the 5 snaps he was accounted for. 4 wins against their first team. We might just have a Nose Tackle ladies and gentlemen. 

In summary, Hood and Mbu were the only two who clearly had bad games. Not enough for either Banks or Pipkins to go off on. The rest played really well, with Lanier and Francis having the two best individual performance (granted, against 2nd and 3rd stringers). I'm genuinely excited about the prospects of this Dline moving forward. Can't wait to continue focusing on them the next couple of weeks and finding out where they all go from here!   

ES Coverage: Redskins @ Ravens

08/10/17

DEFEAT 

Ravens 23 - 3 Redskins

Welcome my friends to another season of Washington Redskins Football (queue applause)!

I can think of no better person to kick off this season than me, JimmiJo. Along for the launch is my partner; Spaceman Spiff. In our time together we have inadvertently glanced at more NFL locker room manhood than is acceptable in polite company. 

All that aside, we will do our best to bring you the sights and sounds of tonight's action.

Story line for me is how the offense will look with new 1st and 2nd receivers, running backs, and tight end. Is this offense plug-and-play enough to swap out arguably the two most important pieces and keep on going? We will start to see tonight.

And then there's the defense. How will a Greg Manusky defense perform? Likely we won't see anything like a defensive game plan. All eyes will be looking to see good execution in a bland scheme.

Let me take this first preseason game and get this out of the way:

- I believe this to be Kirk Cousins. Blame it on irreconcilable differences. From afar it appears Cousins never got over what he thought a pauper-offer his first year of free agency. Can Washington throw enough money at him, or be willing to do this dance again to kick keep him? Hard to see but I am wrong all the time. Just ask my ex-wife.

- The question will then become whether you keep Jay Gruden to develop the next guy? Survey says; depends on how the season plays out.

Gonna be fun to watch.

Season record; a very generous 9-7 trying to eek into the playoffs. Most of you are smarter than me so I will look to see what you say.

In the meantime it is time for some free food.

Stand by...

Kickoff

The teams are taking the field ahead of the National Anthem and then kickoff.

Here's to good running, passing, scoring, tackling, and no injuries.

Talk to you at halftime. Follow in-game on Twitter @Skinscast. 

Half

Wow that was bad. 

The Washington Redskins appear unprepared and uninspired. I hope the coaches see something good on tape to look at, cause from here in the press box I am not sure there was much.

Not that the Ravens were much better. But they did enough to keep the chains moving. Their own difficulties limited points, but did not prevent them.

The game's highlight was the Ravens' 59-yard field goal to end the half.

Baltimore 13 - 0 Washington

JimmiJo

There really isn’t much to say about the game. At least, not for the Washington Redskins.

They came out flat, and got worse as it went.

In fairness the starters only played six plays. But to be precise, the Redskins offense accomplished very little between the two drives.

Kirk Cousins went 1-2 for 5-yards over the span. Anything he thought he was going to do was thwarted by the pressure from Baltimore.

After Cousins, the offensive highlight belonged to Vernon Davis, who pulled in a 31-yard grab later in the night.

Washington started poorly, and the second-teamers were every bit as bad. But for a single drive to start the fourth quarter that resulted in 3-points; there was very little of note.

Unless you count the inability to sustain drives, ill-timed turnovers and big-plays surrendered.

The worst part is that no questions were answered.

We don’t know if the offense will function with the new receiving corps. At least, as it did with the old.

We don’t know if the defense is an improved with the new coordinator.

We don’t know if the run-game is any better.

Ditto play-calling. We do know what we saw was not particularly good.

In the old days a coach like Joe Gibbs would use a performance like this to bludgeon and then inspire the team to respond. Then again, it is only the preseason.

Many a rotten-egg game 1 of the preseason has turned into a more respectable affair later on.

That said – there just isn’t much talk about or takeaway from this one.

Your reporters had a terrific time however.

Click here for the ES photos from this game.

Click here to download a copy of this game's Game Book.

Richmond --  Overcast rainy day here in Richmond, sprinkling right now.  75 degrees at 8am.  Today's schedule is a walkthru at 10:45 am, Jay Gruden Presser at 2:45 and practice at 3pm.  This is subject to change with the possibility of thunderstorms this afternoon.  (and me forgetting to bring my poncho)  If the weather does as forcast with heavy rain and lightning the Redskins will conduct practice at an off-site location and it will be closed to media.

It is just sprinkling right now so I suspect that the walk thru will be here at the Bon Secours facility.

This will be a short day for me I will be leaving before practice begins.

One thing I noticed yesterday and forgot to mention was how low to the ground Junior Galette gets in his 4 point stance, his nose is almost hitting the ground.  I'm not sure if this is why he gets such a fast jump at the snap but it was an odd stance to look at.

Walkthru's:

Yesterday Trent Williams suffered a bruise on his stomach and did not go the full practice, today at walkthru's he was there for a short period, then was replaced by Ty Nsekhe so the left side of the line was Lauvao at guard and Nsekhe at tackle.  Not sure if his bruise was still bothering him or Nsekhe was getting some reps.  Walk thru's must be really boring for linemen, they more or less just stand there after the snap.  The receivers are walking thru their routes, and no passes get thrown.  They do hand off to the running backs but its all in slow motion.  It is really difficult to determine what type of  of play it is because both the O and D line are standing up and you can't see what is going on behind the lines.

A new record for Breeland, he was kicked out of walkthru's for fighting, actually not a real fight but he jammed Pryor really hard and it lead to some loud words and Gruden removed him from practice.  I think this was the first time that has ever happened in a walkthru.

Jamison Crowder's presser

Asked how he was feeling Crowder says he is doing better, its day to day, it is frustrating not to go out and compete.

He doesn't feel like he is behind, since they did a lot on OTA's. 

What he learned from recovering from his hamstring injury last year was just getting back healthy, just to try to be back and be ready for week 1.

He did not feel any lingering effects from his injury after he returned.

He is doing nothing different this year training for a move outside.  Just daily workouts, weight room, field work, to prepare to be a better receiver

He says as of now he is still the return guy and he hopes he can continue to do returns.

The receivers have had a good camp so far.  Doctson has made a lot of catches, Pryor made a lot of catches, Ryan Grant and pretty much everyone across the board has made plays.

He was asked about the intensity level in one on ones between receivers and defensive backs, he stated that is just how it is in camp and it is what you want, the competition. 

You want to make each other better.

He does not see his role changing in the red zone this year, he is going to be in the slot if I'm healthy and can go,  with the addition of Pryor, and Docston and Quick they have height and with Jordan Reed it will help us out tremendously in the red zone

He mentioned that Pryor with his size and speed for his size and his route running, he has really great routes, like a small guy.  I look forward to playing alongside him.

This is the end of my coverage for today, I need to get back to Northern VA to watch my grandson's football practice.  I'll report on that tomorrow

Richmond -- Its a nice cool morning here in Richmond, 65 degrees at 7am, clear and sunny  The doors open for the fans at 9:30am.   There were already several fans waiting when I arrived at 7:30.  One gentleman I spoke with said he had driven an hour and a half to get here, he was first in line.

A walk thru is scheduled for 10:35 and practice starts at 3pm,  2pm will have NFL Officials discussing changes to the rules.  At 2:45 Jay Gruden will have his daily presser.

Crowd waiting to get into training camp

The fans are now going thru security and  into the Bon Secours training camp.  Not as big a crowd as yesterday but it was lined up around the block, with people still coming from the parking areas.

Walk thru is completed, Brandon Scherff walked by me coming off the field, I had to look up to see the top of his shoulders, I didn't realize how big he was. Morgan Moses is even bigger.  We are not allowed to take pictures during walk-thru's and also during practice other than warmups and drills. We also can not discuss formations etc, but there were some interesting things to see, hopefully it translates to some great plays during the season. It really seems odd to me since the media is tied, but fans can post pics and videos during practices.

Su'a Cravens at the podium.

He is happy to be back at safety, it aids his skill set, allows him to play the open field, to make decisions on balls in the air, ultimately to be a play-maker.

When asked if he did any special conditioning for safety, he stated that he conditioned hard during the off-season, his biggest thing was to change his diet.

On the difference between Joe Berry and Greg Manusky he said that they both were great defenses but with Manusky, we are going to be a bit more aggressive.  On 3rd and short we are going to send more pressure, before we would sit in a cover 2 or 3.

He feels that the college and pro games are different in a lot of ways but they are starting to get similar when it comes to the passing game.  Its all match-ups. He feels the tweener role is exactly what is needed in the NFL, and guys like him are what the NFL is looking for.

He said Swearinger reminds him of Dion Bailey who he played with at USC always loud, always communicating.   You could rely on him to get an energy boost.

Playing linebacker last year helped him to learn every ones responsibility, knowing run fits and where everyone is going to be. 

On getting off the the field on 3rd down, he feels this is why they are getting more aggressive on defense.  They are not going to sit back and allow the offense to take their shot.

NFL Official Presser

Josh Norman's Bow and Arrow celebration is illegal.  Concidered a weapon.  Group celebrations and using the ball as a prop is now legal,  other props are illegal.  Lambeau Leap is now legal.

No hurdling O linemen at all.

Ball on the 25 yard on touchback is extended for this year.

Attention to Low hits on the QB, no longer allowed to wrap QB below the waist.  Can grab a leg or swipe arm to bring him down, but if you wrap and shoulder gets to the leg it is a foul

Gruden's Presser

Gruden was asked about roughing the passer penalties and how to keep them from instinctively grabbing the QB.  Basically he said its difficult, but if your down low and crawling to the QB then you have to swipe his leg and pull it. 

Does game week change teams plans for practice?  No we are still in training camp and we will handle today and tomorrow as training camp.

How long will starters play on Thursday?  We will see how we get thru the next two practices and see where we are.

Does injuries around the league play a role in determining how many reps starters get?  You have to get them ready,  No substitute for playing in some preseason games, it is a risk involved in Football.

Areas he has told Chris Thompson to improve and if Thompson has done so.

I have seen him get better.  Chris is a pro, when you talk about Chris your talking about taking care of your body in the offseason, getting stronger and continue to work at your craft.  Which he has

Gruden was asked about Josh Norman's work ethic and what he brings to the defense.  Josh is finding his niche as a leader and his work ethic is rubbing off on  everybody.

On the steadying presence of Ryan Kerrigan.  Not a lot of people talk about Ryan anymore, he is just always there a mainstay and very productive player.  Excellent player against the run, hard to run on his side, and his pass rush is still pretty darn effective.

Asked about our secondary against the receivers in NFCE, Gruden said we are going to need the pass rush going effectively. How they mesh together is going to be how our defense plays.

A question on Robert Davis brought this response.  Robert has done some good things, not just catching the ball but blocking.  I'm impressed with him, a good physical receiver who can block, Robert has proven he can do that.

What kind of camp has Bashaud Breeland having?

He is doing good... He is a competitive guy, he gets in trouble sometimes he is so overly competitive, but for the most part I like what he is doing.

Asked about Trent Williams hosting the O line for workouts and chemistry of the line, Gruden answered, They have great chemistry.  Its getting better and better. 

Practice Notes:

Practice started with stretching excercises, once those were complete, Field #1 was devoted to Special Teams practice.  Field #2 wind sprints.

Breeland took one kick off hit a rather large hole and was gone.  Blackmon also took a Kickoff and made a good run.

Field #1 Running Backs drilling taking the ball and running, or faking having the ball then slipping out for a catch. 

Quaterbacks practicing catching bad snaps, ball to their left, right high and really low.

Running Backs do drill where they block, slip the block and cross for a catch.

Field #2 Defensive Backs doing interception Drills.

At the far end of the field it looks like the WR's are practicing (wait for it) fades.......

11 on 11

First Team

Nice run by Chris Thompson for about 20 yards.  Hard to tell if he would have gotten 20 or not since they are not tackling but never the less it was a nice fast run.

Cousins to Pryor on what looked like a broken play for a touchdown in the left corner, it wasn't a fade route though.

2nd Team 11 on 11

Pass McCoy to Derek Carrier for a first down.

Matt Jones stopped in the backfield for a loss of about 5 yards

TD pass McCoy to Robert Davis, from the 25.

One more TD for 2nd team, they were looking very good against the 2nd D.

First Team

one min 40 sec on 50 yard line

Cousins long run to around the 25 yard line on a broken play.

Pass to Vernon Davis to the 20. 

2 seconds left after Cousins spiked the ball.

Field Goal

2nd Team

1min 40 Sec ball on 50.

Some players blocked my view but somehow they got to the 23 before I could move.

TD pass McCoy to Robert Davis.

Extra Point Good.

This ends the practice session for today.

Richmond  Today is Fan Apprecaition day, a good day to collect autographs and selfies with the players and coaches,  At 7:00 fans started arriving for a 11:30 am opening.  At 1:15 Jay Gruden will have a press conference and practice will be at 1:30.

You can follow me on twitter @haphaszard.

The media room is starting to fill up now so things should be starting soon.

A very large crowd here today

Something new in the Media room, free pepsi products as well as chips.  Pepsi the new Redskins Partner.

Jay Gruden's presser:

Jay discussed the NFL eliminating the cut to 75.  He is all for it, since last year they had to cut to 75 before the 4th preseason game and with guys hurt they barely had enough to play the 4th game.

Cornerback Fabian Moreau  and Safety Montae Nicholson He thinks they are getting closer its on the trainer and the doctor when they are cleared for full contact,

No updates on Jordan Reed, but he thinks Rob Kelley is good to go today.

Gruden is unsure if Jordan's injury will go into the season, but the doctors and trainers and Jordan he will be ready for the season.

Preston Smith twisted his ankle, He is in a boot.  Probably a week or two.

Jamison Crowder is getting close,

Junior Galette has been doing very well  Had a sack fumble that would have  won the game for the defense.

Is it possible for a coach to work an 8 hour day?  Gruden:  Yeah I think you could if you want to coach for a year,

For some reason I am unable to download video's to this article, so I will load the tweets with the videos.

20170805_135800.mp4

 It was the mid 1990's. In the then WWF (now WWE) Razor Ramon aka Scott Hall and Diesel aka Kevin Nash had their contracts coming up for renewal. In those days, wrestling contracts weren't guaranteed. Guys were basically paid on a per show appearance. The bigger the show, like a WrestleMania, the bigger the payday. However, if you didn't land a match on that card you didn't get paid. As Scott Hall's contract was coming up he negotiated with the Number 2 wrestling company at the time, WCW. WCW was owned by Ted Turner whose goal was to displace Vince McManon's WWF at the top of the mountain. Turner had Eric Bischoff running WCW. Bischoff new he needed bigger named talent to make WCW look & grow bigger. Long story short, he started recruiting WWF wrestlers as their contracts were expiring & he started with Hall. Who then talked to his buddy Nash, telling him not only were the days he worked guaranteed but so was the money. The story goes they neither wanted to leave McManon but there was no way McManon could give them guaranteed money as it'd set a precedent to have to give guaranteed money contracts to his other big name talent. Until then guaranteed money was unheard of in pro wrestling. Hall & Nash essentially changed the business. Even though WCW is defunct, McManon now has his talent on guaranteed contracts. 

Cool story bro but what's this got to do with football?

 Well, if you're a casual fan, you most likely took the Bruce Allen statement at face value. However once you drill down a little bit into it you'll see its roughly $300,000 difference between their offer and Kirk playing on the tag the next two years. In his radio interview on 106.7 (Part 1 & Part 2) the next day Kirk commented that if you look around the League the Front Office contracts and the Coaching staff contracts are fully guaranteed and he'd like to see the players contracts fully guaranteed. Currently, playing on the Tag gives him that fully guaranteed contract. For a year. So with the Rules of the Tag, he can play on it for a total of three years for three separate guaranteed one year deals.  IF Kirk can manage to accomplish a multi year fully guaranteed contract he'll change the business. Just like Hall & Nash did 20ish years ago. 

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 1: Steelers at Redskins 

(Photos by themurf)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 2: Cowboys at Redskins

(Photos by Spaceman Spiff)

From the ES Photo album 2016 Week 3: Redskins at Giants

(Photos by TK)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 4: Browns at Redskins

(Photos by themurf)

From the ES Photo Album Redskins at Ravens - Week 5

(Photos by Spaceman Spiff)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 6: Eagles at Redskins

(Photos by Spaceman Spiff)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 7: Redskins at Lions

(Photos by themurf)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 9: Vikings at Redskins

(Photos by Spaceman Spiff)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 11: Packers at Redskins

(Photos by themurf)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 12: Redskins at Cowboys

(Photos by themurf)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 13: Redskins at Cardinals

(Photos by themurf)

From the ES Photo album 2016 Week 14 - Redskins at Eagles

(Photos by TK)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 15: Panthers at Redskins

(Photos by themurf)

From the ES Photo Album 2016 Week 16: Redskins at Bears

(Photos by themurf)

From the ES Photo Album Redskins vs. Giants 2016 Week 17

(Photos by Spaceman Spiff)

DEFEAT!!!

Giants 19 - 10 Redskins

Redskins Out of Playoffs

Welcome my friend to Extremeskins coverage of the Washington Redskins versus the New York Giants. My name is JimmiJo and I am joined by my partner; Spaceman Spiff.

The most reasonable thing a football fan can expect and hope for is for your team to be playing meaningful games at the end of the season. Sure, there are times when you run away with the division, ala Dallas this year, but at a minimum you want to see the games late in the year have a larger significance than just the football on the day.

My friends, you can't ask for much more than we have in front us day today.

Win and you're in (barring a freak-of-nature tie between Detroit & Green Bay). That's more than than you can ask. For the second-year running the Washington Redskins can go to the playoffs (1st time in 25-years). By virtue of the tie in London the Redskins are already assured a winning season (first time since 1993).

So what can we expect from the team today? I expect a win. For one, Washington has everything to play for while New York are already in the playoffs and cannot help themselves with a win. History also appears to be on Washington's side. According to Rick Snider of Washington Post Express; the Redskins are 9-2 in win-and-in games since 1974.

There is also the fact they are playing at home against a division rival. Then too, the rumor is the Giants will yank their starters early.

Finally, it is not Monday Night Football.

So what are your thoughts? Are you feeling good about today's game?

Stand by for inactives...

Inactives

The Redskins declared the following players as inactive:

o   No. 2 QB Nate Sudfeld

o   No. 31 RB Matt Jones

o   No. 36 S Su’a Cravens

o   No. 45 S Josh Evans

o   No. 47 CB Quinton Dunbar

o   No. 60 OL Vinston Painter

o   No. 78 C Kory Lichtensteiger

The Giants declared the following players as inactive:

o   No. 29 S Nat Berhe

o   No. 30 CB Coty Sensabaugh

o   No. 44 RB George Winn

o   No. 68 G/T Bobby Hart

o   No. 89 TE Jerell Adams

o   No. 90 DE Jason Pierre-Paul

o   No. 97 LB Ishaq Williams

No. 73 Marshall Newhouse is expected to start in place of Hart at right tackle.

Keys to Victory

The Washington Redskins have every excuse to win and very little to lose. They have enough offense and motivation to wrap this up and then get ready for the post-season. That said, a quick punch in the mouth from the New York Giants and the expectations for the game and playoffs could change dramatically. 

To that end, the Redskins should jump out quickly to establish momentum. They also need to be extremely physical. Washington needs to paint the specter of potential injuries so that the Giants will pull starters.

Talk at the half...

Half

I will make this quick and direct; this team was not ready to play in the biggest game of the year. And I am starting to see a trend with this current squad. I tweeted something to the effect that you cannot coach things like injuries, calls by the refs, and weather. But you can sure get your team ready to play. 

Gruden didn't. And it is not the first time.

On the biggest stage Gruden tends to either fail to get the team ready or, is flat out coached.

This team coming out as flat as they have been in inexcusable. You thought Carolina was an aberration. Perhaps not.

Gruden is an offensive coach and the offense looks like crap. If my name is Daniel Snyder, Gruden has 30-minutes to prove hie deserves to keep his job.

Photos

Audio

JimmiJo

Some losses hurt more than others. Then too, some seasons hurt worse than others. For me, this is true of both tonight and this year. 

Following the success of last year my expectations were that the Washington Redskins would at a minimum be better. Instead they muddled through a season most memorable for the opportunities this team gave away.

Following the game and setting up my question for head coach Jay Gruden, I pointed out how this team has controlled their playoff-destiny many times this year and given it up. In fact, one could argue they were knocked out of the playoffs many times this year. Even back to the tie in London.

My question to Gruden was, knowing they controlled their fate multiple times, is it all the more frustrating to have lost tonight? Gruden gave me a great answer where he started listing all the areas where they struggled this year; red zone offense, rushing offense, third down defense, et al. His point being that while the offense racked up a lot of yards, there were areas where the team struggled so that missing the playoffs was not too much of a surprise.

Liz Clarke from the Washington Post asked the best question, and the one I really wanted to ask: did Gruden feel like he had the team prepared to play today?

His answer was based on the results, probably not. I couldn't agree more. In fact, it seems like in the biggest games, this team is not prepared. And this speaks directly to head coach.

I like Gruden quite a bit, but I feel like he lacks intensity sometimes. Check that. I think he possesses plenty. I think he lacks displaying intensity sometimes.

I was talking to another reporter after the game who has been around since the Joe Gibbs' era. And I remarked to him how Gibbs would handle a week like this; he would be darn-near unapproachable. Gibbs would be a ball of tension before big games. And whether some of that was an act I cannot say. But I do know a Gibbs team today would have been more than ready mentally.

As for the game itself; Washington came out flat. The run-game never got going. Kirk Cousins had a very flat performance. And the result was an anemic offense until late in the third quarter.

That said, I just knew they were going to win when the score became tied at 10. The Giants had by that time gone flat and the Redskins had all the momentum.

Sure enough, once Washington got the ball back after tying the game and then went three-and-out, New York did what they do; let Eli Manning march the offense down to win the game with a field goal.

Even then there was a chance with the Redskins marching. But then Cousins decided to try and force a ball that never should have been thrown. 

Gruden usually tries to cover for his quarterback, but even he admitted it was a poor decision to throw the ball.

And just like that, the season is over.

I am curious to see what changes come this offseason. Today was the type of game that cost head coaches their job, IF their job is in any way on the line. I do not think this is the case with Gruden. Sure, it is a direct reflection on the coach missing the playoffs. But with this defense they weren't going far.

And to that end I do expect a change at defensive coordinator (or perhaps just hope for it). There are some pretty good defensive coaches available right now so I hope this is what they do.

As for Cousins, I expect the franchise tag again. Based on his comments post-game it does not sound like he and the team are anywhere close. To be truthful I think throws like the one that cost the game is why the team is not fully sold, at least not enough to give him the fortune he wants. On the other hand, Kirk knows someone will him so he doesn't need to settle for less.

The only way I do not see Cousins here next year is if the team decides both he AND Gruden are not the answer. Otherwise, I expect both back.

Well, it has been another fantastic year. Thanks to ES for allowing me to pose as a reporter for another season. I am looking forward to next year to hopefully do it again.

Peace. 

Redskins Offense
»» Ranks first in the NFC and NFL in percentage of 3-and-out drives (12.3%)
»» Ranks first in the NFC and NFL in receiving yards at catch (2783)
»» Ranks first in the NFC and NFL in pass completions of 25+ yards (43)
»» Ranks first in the NFC and NFL in average rushing yards on second- down (5.49)

»» Ranks second in the NFC and NFL in plays of 20+ yards (74)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and NFL in total yards per play (6.46)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and NFL in receiving yards (4661)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and NFL in passing yards per game (300.8)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and NFL in passing yards per attempt (8.15)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and NFL in pass completions of 20+ yards (64)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and third in the NFL in passing yards per play (7.89)

»» Ranks third in the NFC and NFL in percentage of first-down passing plays gaining 4+ yards (60.2%)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and NFL in total yards per game (411.3)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and NFL in third-down conversion percentage (46.0%)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in receptions per game (25.7)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in receptions (385)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in second-down conversion percentage (36.5%)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in average receiving yards at catch (7.2)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL in passing yards per completion (12.11)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL in third-and-medium conversion percentage (50.9%)
»» Ranks third in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in average rushing yards (4.55)

»» Ranks fourth in the NFC and NFL in passing first-downs (212)
»» Ranks fourth in the NFC and sixth in the NFL in pass attempts (572)
»» Ranks fourth in the NFC and sixth in the NFL in pass attempts per game (38.1)
»» Ranks fourth in the NFC and tied for sixth in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (17)
»» Ranks fourth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in average yards to go on second-down (7.82)
»» Ranks fourth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in third-and-long conversion percentage (31.5%)

»» Ranks fifth in the NFC and NFL in average yards gained on firstdown (5.85)
»» Ranks fifth in the NFC and NFL in pass completion percentage (67.3%)
»» Ranks fifth in the NFC and tied for fifth in the NFL in first-downs per game (21.9)
»» Ranks fifth in the NFC and tied for fifth in the NFL in total firstdowns made (329)
»» Ranks fifth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in offensive points scored (380)
»» Ranks fifth in the NFC and ninth in the NFL in points per game (25.7)

»» Ranks sixth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in percentage of passing first-downs (37.1%)
»» Ranks sixth in the NFC and eighth in the NFL in receiving targets (559)
»» Ranks sixth in the NFC and eighth in the NFL in targets per game (37.3)
»» Ranks sixth in the NFC in rushing yards (1658)
»» Ranks sixth in the NFC in rushing yards per game (110.5)

»» Ranks seventh in the NFC in receiving yards after catch (1878)
»» Ranks tied for seventh in the NFC in passing touchdowns (24)

»» Ranks eighth in the NFC in percentage of rush attempts gaining 10+ yards (12.1%)
»» Ranks eighth in the NFC in rush attempts gaining 10+ yards (44)
»» Ranks eighth in the NFC and 10th in the NFL in percentage of rushing first-downs (24.2%)

Redskins Defense
»» Ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in tackles for loss (78)

»» Ranks fourth in the NFC and fifth in the NFL in total tackles (911)

»» Ranks fifth in the NFC and tied for sixth in the NFL in fumbles forced (15)
»» Ranks fifth in the NFC and NFL in solo tackles (644)
»» Ranks fifth in the NFC in assisted tackles (267)
»» Ranks tied for fifth in the NFC and tied for seventh in the NFL in sacks (37)
»» Ranks tied for fifth in the NFC and tied for 10th in the NFL in passes defensed (73)

»» Ranks sixth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in sack yards (244)

»» Ranks eighth in the NFC and 10th in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt (6.58%)

Redskins Special Teams
»» Ranks first in the NFC and NFL in field goal attempts (40)
»» Ranks tied for first in the NFC and NFL for longest punt return (85)
»» Ranks tied for first in the NFC and tied for third in the NFL in field goals made (33)

»» Ranks second in the NFC and NFL in kickoffs (89)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and NFL in kickoff yards (5565)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and third in the NFL in kicking points (134)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and third in the NFL in average punt return yards (12.7)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and third in the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks (62)
»» Ranks second in the NFC and fifth in the NFL in percentage of kickoffs for touchbacks (69.7%)

»» Ranks third in the NFC and eighth in the NFL in total punt return yards (304)

»» Ranks seventh in the NFC in average kickoff yards (62.5)

Redskins Players
»» Will Compton ranks fifth in the NFC and 10th in the NFL in assisted tackles (42)

»» Kirk Cousins ranks first in the NFC and NFL in passing yards at catch (2753)
»» Cousins ranks first in the NFC and NFL in passing plays of 25+ yards (42)
»» Cousins ranks second in the NFC and NFL in passing yards per game (308.7)
»» Cousins ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in pass completions per game (25.6)
»» Cousins ranks second in the NFC and third in the NFL in pass completions (384)
»» Cousins ranks second in the NFC and third in the NFL in passing yards per attempt (8.11)
»» Cousins ranks second in the NFC and NFL in passing yards (4630)
»» Cousins ranks tied for second in the NFC and tied for fourth in the NFL in pass attempts (571)
»» Cousins ranks third in the NFC and NFL in passing first-downs (211)
»» Cousins ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in average passing yards at catch (7.2)
»» Cousins ranks third in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in passing yards per completion (12.06)
»» Cousins ranks tied for third in the NFC and tied for fifth in the NFL in pass attempts per game (38.1)
»» Cousins ranks fifth in the NFC and NFL in pass completion percentage (67.3%)
»» Cousins ranks fifth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in percentage of passing first-downs (37.0%)
»» Cousins ranks sixth in the NFC in passing touchdowns (24)
»» Cousins ranks seventh in the NFC and ninth in the NFL in yards after catch by a quarterback (1877)

»» Jamison Crowder ranks first in the NFC and NFL in average punt return yards (13.1)
»» Crowder ranks tied for first in the NFC and NFL in longest punt return (85)
»» Crowder ranks second in the NFC and tied for third in the NFL in punt return yards (288)
»» Crowder ranks tied for fifth in the NFC in punt returns (22)

»» Vernon Davis ranks first in the NFC and third in the NFL in average yards after catch amongst tight ends (5.4)
»» Davis ranks third in the NFC and seventh in the NFL in average receiving yards amongst tight ends (12.7)
»» Davis ranks sixth in the NFC and 10th in the NFL in average yards at catch amongst tight ends (7.3)
»» Davis ranks eighth in the NFC in yards after catch amongst tight ends (226)

»» Dustin Hopkins ranks first in the NFC and NFL in field goals attempted (40)
»» Hopkins ranks first in the NFC and second in the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks (62)
»» Hopkins ranks tied for first in the NFC and tied for third in the NFL in field goals made (33)
»» Hopkins ranks second in the NFC and NFL in total kickoffs (87)
»» Hopkins ranks second in the NFC and NFL in total kickoff yards (5565)
»» Hopkins ranks second in the NFC and third in the NFL in kicking points (134)
»» Hopkins ranks second in the NFC and fifth in the NFL in percentage of kickoffs for touchbacks (71.3%)

»» DeSean Jackson ranks first in the NFC and third in the NFL in average receiving yards (18.0)
»» Jackson ranks tied for first in the NFC and NFL in receptions for 25+ yards (14)
»» Jackson ranks second in the NFC and third in the NFL in average receiving yards at catch (12.7)
»» Jackson ranks tied for fourth in the NFC and tied for seventh in the NFL in longest reception (80)
»» Jackson ranks seventh in the NFC in receiving yards at catch (688)

»» Matt Jones ranks first in the NFC and third in the NFL in percentage of rushing first-downs (28.3%)
»» Jones ranks third in the NFC and ninth in the NFL in percentage of rush attempts gaining 10+ yards (14.1%)
»» Jones ranks fourth in the NFC and ninth in the NFL in average rushing yards (4.65)

»» Rob Kelley ranks third in the NFC and NFL in rushing yards amongst rookies (671)
»» Kelley ranks third in the NFC and NFL in rush attempts per game amongst rookies (11.1)
»» Kelley ranks third in the NFC and NFL in rushing first-downs amongst rookies (28)
»» Kelley ranks third in the NFC and NFL in rushing yards per game amongst rookies (47.9)
»» Kelley ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in rush attempts amongst rookies (156)
»» Kelley ranks third in the NFC and fifth in the NFL in longest rush attempt amongst rookies (66)
»» Kelley ranks sixth in the NFC in average rushing yards amongst rookies (4.3)

»» Ryan Kerrigan ranks third in the NFC and fourth in the NFL in sack yards (84)
»» Kerrigan ranks fourth in the NFC and tied for seventh in the NFL in sacks (11)
»» Kerrigan ranks tied for fourth in the NFC and tied for fifth in NFL in tackles for loss (15)

»»Jordan Reed ranks fifth in the NFC and sixth in the NFL in receiving first downs amongst tight ends (39)
»» Reed ranks fourth in the NFC and eighth in the NFL in percentage of receiving first-downs amongst tight ends (63.9%)
»» Reed ranks tied for fifth in the NFC and tied for seventh in the NFL in receptions amongst tight ends (61)
»» Reed ranks seventh in the NFC in receiving targets amongst tight ends (83)
»» Reed ranks seventh in the NFC in yards after catch amongst tight ends (231)

»» Reed ranks seventh in the NFC in average receiving yards amongst tight ends (10.6)
»» Reed ranks eighth in the NFC in receiving yards amongst tight ends (646)
»» Reed ranks eighth in the NFC and 10th in the NFL in yards at catch amongst tight ends (415)
»» Reed ranks eighth in the NFC in average yards at catch amongst tight ends (3.8)

»» The Redskins earning their 25th postseason berth in franchise history.
»» The Redskins qualifying for postseason play in back-to-back seasons for the first time since a three-year streak from 1990-92.
»» The Redskins attempting to qualify for the playoffs after an 0-2 start for the second time in team history (1984).
»» The Redskins becoming the first team since the 2003 Philadelphia Eagles to qualify for the playoffs after opening a season 0-2 with both losses at home.
»» The Redskins winning their ninth game of the season to give the franchise nine wins in consecutive campaigns for the first time since a four-year stretch from 1989-92.
»» The Redskins recording their fifth home win this season. It would give the Redskins at least five home wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 1996-97 seasons.
»» The Redskins improving to 4-2 in NFC East play this season. It would give the Redskins at least four division wins in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1996-97 (both seasons in which the team played eight divisional games). The Redskins would post divisional winning percentages of .667 or better in back-to-back years for the first time since the 1982-83 seasons.
»» The Redskins and Giants meeting for the 170th time, including postseason play. The Giants are the Redskins' most common opponent.
»» The Redskins scoring 20 points in an eighth consecutive division game, dating back to Week 16 of the 2015 season. It would be the team's first eight-game streak with 20 points or more against NFC East foes since a nine-game streak across the 1999-2000 seasons.
»» The Redskins sweeping a season series with the Giants for the first time since 2011.
»» The Redskins attempting to earn a second consecutive home victory against the Giants for the first time since winning two straight across the 2011-12 seasons.
»» The Redskins improving upon their 46-36-2 all-time in regular season finales.
»» The Redskins seeking victories in consecutive regular season finales for the first time since the 2004-05 seasons.
»» The Redskins (6,170) gaining 84 yards to break the franchise record for total net yards in a single season (6,253 in 1989).
»» The Redskins (6.46) setting a single-season team record for yards per play (6.17 in 2012). The Redskins' current yards per play average this season ranks ninth in the NFL since the 1970 merger.
»» The 2016 Redskins (411.3) attempting to become the first team in franchise history to average 400 yards per game. The Redskins can accomplish the feat with 230 more yards in Week 17.
»» The Redskins adding to their current team record by exceeding 300 yards of offense in a 20th consecutive regular season game, dating back to last season.
»» The Redskins setting a team record with their ninth 400-yard game of the season. The team's eight 400-yard games this year are currently tied with the 2013 squad for the most in a single season in team history.
»» The Redskins improving upon their team-record three 500-yard games this season.
»» The Redskins recording their fourth 500-yard game this season to tie for the sixth-most in a season in NFL history.
»» The Redskins (385) completing two passes to break the team record for completions in a single season (386 in 2015).
»» The Redskins (329) tallying 25 first downs to break the team record for total first downs in a season (353 in 1983).
»» The Redskins (212) recording six passing first downs to break the team record for passing first downs in a single season (217 in 1989).
»» The Redskins (572) attempting 40 passes to break the team record for pass attempts in a season (611 in 2013).
»» The Redskins attempting to feature multiple 1,000-yard receivers for the first time since 1999 (Albert Connell and Michael Westbrook). The Redskins have three receivers within 175 yards of the mark: DeSean Jackson (971), Pierre Garçon (945) and Jamison Crowder (831). If all three meet the mark, it would be only the second time in team history the Redskins have had three 1,000-yard receivers (Gary Clark, Art Monk and Ricky Sanders in 1989).
»» The Redskins' next 1,000-yard receiver recording the 29th 1,000-yard receiving season in team history.
»» The Redskins recording a sack in a 24th consecutive regular season game, dating back to last season. Washington's active streak ranks first in the NFC and second in the NFL (Cincinnati, 28).
»» The Redskins pushing a regular season sack streak to 24 games for the first time since a 30-game span across the 2008-10 seasons.
»» The Redskins recording a sack to give the team at least one sack in every game this season, the franchise's first such accomplishment since 2009. It would mark the seventh time the team has accomplished the feat since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 (1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1996 and 2009).
»» The Redskins (37) recording three sacks to record the team's first 40-sack season since 2011.
»» The Redskins posting multiple interceptions in consecutive games for the first time since Weeks 8-9 of the 2013 season.
»» The Redskins (+3) finishing back-to-back seasons with a positive turnover differential for the first time since a three-year stretch across the 1995-97 seasons. The Redskins were +5 in the category in 2015.
»» The Redskins turning the ball over zero times in back-to-back games for the second time this season (Weeks 11-12).

Photo By TK

»» Head Coach Jay Gruden becoming the first Redskins coach to guide the team to consecutive postseason berths since Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs in 1990-92.
»» Gruden joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Ray Flaherty, George Allen and Joe Gibbs as the only coaches in team history to guide the team to at least two postseason berths in the first three seasons of a head coaching tenure.
»» Gruden winning his 22nd game with the Redskins to take sole possession of eighth-most in team history.

Photo By themurf

»» Safety Will Blackmon picking off a pass in back-to-back games for the first time in his career.

Photo By themurf

»» Cornerback Bashaud Breeland adding to his career-high three interceptions this season.
»» Breeland intercepting a pass in back-to-back games for the first time since Weeks 5-6 of the 2015 season.
»» Breeland or Josh Norman picking off two passes to become the first member of the Redskins since Darrell Green (two in 1993) to record multiple games with two or more interceptions in a single season. He would become the first member of the Redskins to post consecutive multi-interception games since Paul Krause in Weeks 11-12 of the 1964 season.

Photo By themurf

»» Quarterback Kirk Cousins entering the game third in NFL history in completion percentage (65.9). Cousins reached the 1,500-attempt threshold needed to qualify in Week 16 at Chicago.
»» Cousins adding to his team record 4,630 passing yards this season.
»» Cousins throwing for 370 yards to record the first 5,000-yard passing season in team history. Excluding other quarterbacks whose 2016 seasons may qualify pending the results of Week 17, it would be the ninth 5,000-yard season in NFL history.
»» Cousins (308.7) attempting to become the first quarterback in team history to average 300 passing yards per game in a season. Cousins can accomplish the feat with 170 more yards in Week 17. The previous record was 269.1, set by Mark Rypien in 1989.
»» Cousins setting a new team record with his eighth 300-yard passing game this season. Cousins holds the existing team record with seven 300-yard passing games in both 2015 and 2016.
»» Cousins adding to his team records for career 300-yard passing games (19, including 18 in regular season play) and 400-yard passing games (three).
»» Cousins (two) adding to his team record for 400-yard passing games in a single season.
»» Cousins recording his third 400-yard passing game this season to tie Philip Rivers (2013), Tony Romo (2012), Eli Manning (2011) and Dan Marino (1986) for the third-most 400-yard games in a single season in NFL history.
»» Cousins (24) throwing a touchdown pass to register the seventh 25-touchdown passing season in team history, joining Sonny Jurgensen (31 in 1967), himself (29 in 2015), Joe Theismann (29 in 1983), Jurgensen (28 in 1966), Mark Rypien (28 in 1991) and Sammy Baugh (25 in 1947).
»» Cousins starting his 16th regular season game for a second consecutive season to join Jason Campbell (2008-09), Mark Rypien (1991-92) and Joe Theismann (1983-84) as the only quarterbacks in team history to start 16 games in back-to-back seasons.
»» Cousins (nine) rushing for a touchdown to tie Joe Theismann (10) for the second-most career rushing touchdowns by a Redskins quarterback.
»» Cousins rushing for a touchdown in consecutive games for the first time since Weeks 14-15 of the 2015 season.

Photo By themurf

»» Wide receiver Jamison Crowder entering the game as the NFL's leader in punt return average (13.1). He will attempt to become the first member of the Redskins to lead the NFL in punt return average since Brian Mitchell in 1994 (14.1).
»» Crowder (831) accruing 169 receiving yards in 2016 to become the fourth member of the Redskins to post a 1,000-yard receiving season within the first two years of an NFL career (Gary Clark in 1986, Charlie Brown in 1983 and Rod Gardner in 2002).
»» Crowder (seven in 2016) becoming the first Redskins wide receiver with eight touchdown receptions in a single season since Santana Moss in 2012. (Tight end Jordan Reed had 11 touchdown receptions in 2015.)
»» Crowder (seven in 2016) catching two touchdowns to become the first member of the Redskins to record nine touchdown receptions in a single season within the first two years of an NFL career.
»» Crowder (nine) recording his 10th career touchdown reception to become the fifth member of the Redskins to compile 10 touchdown receptions in the first two seasons of an NFL career (Charlie Brown, 16; Chris Cooley, 13; Gary Clark, 12; Rod Gardner, 12).
»» Crowder tying a single-season team record with his second punt return touchdown of the season (Brian Mitchell in 1991 and 1994, Mike Nelms in 1981, Bert Zagers in 1957 and John Williams in 1952).

Photo By TK

»» Tight end Vernon Davis (503) chasing Dallas Clark and Frank Wycheck (505 each) for 10th on the NFL's list of career receptions by a tight end.

»» Davis adding to his 57 career touchdown receptions, eighth most of any tight end in NFL history.
»» Davis catching three touchdowns to tie former Redskins great Jerry Smith (60) for sixth-most touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history.

Photo By themurf

»» Wide receiver Pierre Garçon extending his streak of consecutive regular season games played with a reception to 102, the fifth longest active streak in the NFL (Larry Fitzgerald, 194; Brandon Marshall, 159; Steve Smith Sr., 142; Michael Crabtree, 110). Seventy-three of the games in Garçon’s streak have come with Washington, the third-longest streak by a member of the Redskins since the 1970 merger.
»» Garçon (945) gaining 55 receiving yards to reach 1,000 receiving yards this season.
»» Garçon and/or DeSean Jackson posting his second 1,000-yard receiving season with the Redskins to join Gary Clark (five), Art Monk (five), Santana Moss (three), Henry Ellard (three), Ricky Sanders (two) and Bobby Mitchell (two) as the only players with multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons in team history.
»» Garçon (21) chasing No. 11 Rod Gardner (22) and No. 10 Michael Westbrook (24) on the team's career receiving touchdowns list.

Photo By themurf

»» Kicker Dustin Hopkins adding to his existing single-season career highs in field goals (33) and points (134).
»» Hopkins (33) breaking Mark Moseley's record (33 in 1983) for the most in a single season in team history with his next field goal.
»» Hopkins (134) chasing No. 3 John Riggins (144 in 1983) and No. 2 Chip Lohmiller (149) on the franchise's single-season scoring list.
»» Hopkins (248) scoring two points to become the 18th player in Redskins history (including both kickers and position players) to record 250 career points.
»» Hopkins (248) chasing No. 6. Sam Baker (253) on the franchise's list of career points by a kicker.
»» Hopkins (58) chasing No. 6 Graham Gano (59) and No. 5 Kai Forbath (60) on the team’s list for career field goals made.
»» Hopkins kicking three or more field goals in a seventh game this season to tie Mark Moseley (seven in 1983) for the most three field- goal games in a season in team history.
»» Hopkins recording a third four-field-goal game this year to tie Mark Moseley (three in 1983) and Chip Lohmiller (three in 1990) for the most games with four field goals in a single season in team history.
»» Hopkins (five) kicking his sixth career field goal of 50 yards or more to take sole possession of third-most in team history.

Photo By TK

»» Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (496) catching four passes to become the 16th active player to reach 500 career receptions.
»» Jackson (971) gaining 29 receiving yards to post the fifth 1,000-yard season of his career, including his second with Washington (2014).
»» Jackson setting a Redskins record by recording a fourth consecutive 100-yard receiving game.
»» Jackson (12) recording his 13th 100-yard receiving game with the Redskins to move past Michael Westbrook (12) for sole possession of seventh-most in team history.
»» Jackson (46) scoring four receiving touchdowns to reach 50 career receiving touchdowns.
»» Jackson (four) scoring his fifth career receiving touchdown of 80 yards or more to tie NFL records set by Derrick Alexander, Lance Alworth, Bob Hayes and Jerry Rice.
»» Jackson (22) recording a 60-plus-yard touchdown (including returns) to tie Jerry Rice (23) for the most total touchdowns of 60 yards or more in NFL history.
»» Jackson (26) recording a 50-plus-yard touchdown to tie Terrell Owens (27) for third in total touchdowns of 50 yards or more (including returns) in the NFL since the 1970 merger.

Photo By themurf

»» Running back Robert Kelley (six) chasing Nos. 3 Don Bosseler and Robert Griffin III (seven each) and No. 2 Skip Hicks (eight in 1998) on the team’s list of rushing touchdowns by a rookie.
»» Kelley (671) staying atop the Redskins' leaderboard for rushing yards in 2016 to mark the third time in the last six seasons that a rookie has led the Redskins in rushing (Alfred Morris in 2012, Roy Helu Jr. in 2011).

Photo By themurf

»» Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan becoming the first member of the Redskins to start all 16 games in each of the first six seasons of an NFL career since the adoption of the 16-game schedule in 1978. (Note: Jon Jansen started all 16 games in the first six seasons in which he played from 1999-2005 but missed the 2004 season with an injury).
»» Kerrigan starting his 96th consecutive game, the second-longest active streak among active NFL linebackers. Kerrigan has not missed a start in his NFL career.
»» Kerrigan (58.5) posting 1.5 sacks to become the third member of the Redskins to record 60.0 sacks since the NFL adopted sacks as an official statistic in 1982 (Dexter Manley and Charles Mann).
»» Kerrigan (11.0) recording 2.5 sacks to tie his single-season career high of 13.5 sacks, set in 2014.
»» Kerrigan (11.0) chasing Nos. 8 Dave Butz (11.5 in 1983) and Charles Mann (11.5 in 1991) and No. 7 Marco Coleman (12.0 in 2000) on the team's list of sacks in single season since 1982.

Photo By themurf

»» Linebacker Trent Murphy adding to his career-high 8.0 sacks this season after entering the year with 6.0 sacks in his first two NFL seasons from 2014-15.
»» Murphy (8.0) recording two sacks to give the Redskins multiple players with 10.0 sacks in a single season for the first time since 2009 (Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo, 11.0 each).

Photo By themurf

»» Cornerback Josh Norman (three) tying his single-season career high with his next interception (four in 2015).
»» Norman recording an interception in back-to-back games for the first time since Weeks 3-4 of the 2015 season.
»» Norman (two) matching his single-season career high with his next forced fumble (three in 2015).

Photo By themurf

»» Tight end Jordan Reed (243) catching two passes to move past Don Warren (244) in team history for third-most career receptions by a tight end and 12th-most career receptions by any player.
»» Reed (243) recording seven receptions to become the 12th player to catch 250 career passes as a member of the Redskins.
»» Reed (19) catching a touchdown to become the 16th player in team history to record 20 touchdown receptions with the Redskins.
»» Reed (19) catching a touchdown to surpass Clint Didier (19) for sole possession of fourth-most by a tight end in Redskins history.
»» Reed (19) chasing Jean Fugett (21) for third-most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in Redskins history.
»» Reed (six) scoring multiple receiving touchdowns to move past Santana Moss (six) for sole possession of the sixth-most games with multiple touchdown receptions by a member of the Redskins since 1960.

Photo By themurf

»» Guard Brandon Scherff starting his 16th game this season to join Chris Samuels (2000-01) and Jon Jansen (1999-2000) as the only Redskins offensive linemen to open their careers by starting 16 games in each of their first two NFL seasons.

Photo By themurf

NEW YORK GIANTS (10-5) AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS (8-6-1)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES

STATS

NOTES

GIANTS: Clinched playoff berth…

QB ELI MANNING has 1,500 pass yards (300 per game) & 12 TDs for 95.7 rating in past 5 meetings. Has 3,847 pass yards & needs 153 yards for 6th season with 4,000+ pass yards, most in franchise history…

Rookie RB PAUL PERKINS had career-high 68 rush yards last week…

In 4 career meetings, WR ODELL BECKHAM JR. has 35 receptions for 485 yards (121.3 per game) & 5 TD catches. Has 13 career games with 125+ rec. yards, most in player’s 1st 3 NFL seasons.

Rookie WR STERLING SHEPARD has 8 TD catches, tied 3rd most by rookie in NYG history. Ranks 2nd among NFL rookies with 62 receptions & 653 rec. yards. 

WR VICTOR CRUZ has 32 catches for 493 yards (98.6 per game) & TD in past 5 meetings…

DE OLIVIER VERNON has 4 sacks in past 3 on road. 

DT DAMON HARRISON has 82 tackles, most by NFL DT. 

S LANDON COLLINS is only player with 5+ INTs (5) & 3+ sacks (3). Has 117 tackles, most by safety in franchise history…

REDSKINS: QB KIRK COUSINS ranks 2nd in NFL with franchise-record 4,630 pass yards, 2nd consecutive season with 4,000+ pass yards. Has 1,398 pass yards (279.6 per game) with 10 TDs & 3 INTs for 103.9 rating in past 5 at home…

RB ROBERT KELLEY ranks 3rd among NFL rookies with 671 rush yards & ties for 2nd with 6 rush TDs. 

RB MACK BROWN had career-high 82 rush yards & TD last week…

WR DE SEAN JACKSON has 327 rec. yards & TD in past 3. Aims for 3rd in row vs. division with TD catch. 

WR JAMISON CROWDER has 3 TDs in past 4 at home. Since 2015, 

TE JORDAN REED leads NFC TEs with 16 rec. TDs…

DE CHRIS BAKER aims for 3rd game in row vs. NYG with sack.

 LB RYAN KERRIGAN has 11 sacks, 2nd career season with 10+ sacks. 

CB JOSH NORMAN had 2 INTs last week. Has 48 PD since 2014, 2nd most in NFL.     

Seasons Greetings from historic Soldier Field, where Da Bears haven't been relevant since 1985 & the Redskins are slowly starting to rumble to become relevant. Biggest keys today are  for the Defense to find a way to stop Bears rookie running back Jordan Howard & just as importantly for the Offense to not come out flat as a pancake in the first quarter. This offense has struggled to get going since the Cardinals game. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF INACTIVES

CHICAGO – The Washington Redskins have announced the following inactives and lineup changes for today’s game against the Chicago Bears:

The Redskins declared the following players as inactive:

o   No. 2 QB Nate Sudfeld

o   No. 31 RB Matt Jones

o   No. 36 S Su’a Cravens

o   No. 47 CB Quinton Dunbar

o   No. 60 OL Vinston Painter

o   No. 78 C Kory Lichtensteiger

o   No. 86 TE Jordan Reed 

No. 85 Vernon Davis is expected to start in place of Reed at tight end.

While not eliminated from the Playoffs, the Redskins no longer control their own destiny after another embarrassing loss earlier this week on Monday Night. A win today over the 3 win Bears will help, but at this point if the team still comes out flat, Redskins fans will feel like they just got a lump of coal in their stocking. That said, here's to a Redskins win to brighten all our holidays.

Da Bears win the toss & defer so now the Offense gets to start. Hopefully they come out blazing because I dont even want to think about another flat start. Stadium is about half empty here at the start. Skins start with a run followed by a Cousins scramble  they seemed committed to trying to establish the run for once, however a throwaway pass for Cousins & a missed pass to a wide open Crowder stalls out the opening drive.

Defense holds to a quick three n out. However, not sure if that's because Da Bears are that bad or if the D actually stopped them. 

Next offensive drive, Skins start with the run again but quickly turn to the fast passing game for chunks of yardage & seal off the drive returning to the run to end it with Chris Thompson in the end zone for the first score of the game. Skins up 7-0. Ho ho ho

Bears QB Matt Barkley starts off the Bears second drive looking rather blah. Skins D stops Howard for a loss of 8 then Barkley starts to get a little hot then the Bears fumble & the Redskins recover. A fumble gets reversed on the replay & Howard rips this defense for 23. On third down, Barkley looks lost out there, throws it out the back of the endzone. Bears go for 3 but it's blocked out of the back of the end zone & Skins takeover at the 20. 

So far, one thing is clear. The Bears need a QB upgrade. Also, my Fantasy team would love it Crowder would get involved this drive. Instead DJax with a 57 yard gain shows why someone is gonna pay him next year. On 3rd & 9 inside the 20 Cousins barely dumps it off in time to avoid a sack to Thompson. All he does is score. Skins up 14-0. And that's the end of the fist quarter. Ho ho ho

Start of the 2nd quarter has Breeland picking off Barkley in the end zone. After review, pick stands however the return yardage is nullified. Knee was down at the 1. Skins come out with a 99 yard March in front of them. Three plays later it's 3rd & 1 at the 38. 46 yard bomb to Garçon converts the third down & puts the Redskins in the Red Zone. Drive stalls out so the Skins take the 3. 17-0. Ho ho home. 

Its starting to look more like the Bears D is way worse then it was given credit for. The Offense so far has surprisingly been balanced. 12 runs to 14 passes. Redskins passing game has been clicking & the run game is showing it wants to be there as well.  On the flip side, for the Bears, They have Howard who is exceptional & Barkley who is, well....NOT. A penalty helps get the Bears drive to stay alive & end up with their first score. 17-7 Ho ho ehhh

Skins start off like they've been taking stupid pills. Holding on a Breeland return followed by another penalty omfor having 12 men on the field. Then Cousins overthrows DJax who had his man beat deep over the 50 yard line. Two plays later though Kirk connects with DJax for 29 yards. Another deep shot to DJax is incomplete but he gets a flag & it's an automatic first down. Skins FINALLY seem to be not playing down to the level of an inferior team. Inside the Two Minute Warning, Cousins runs it in this time from 9 yards out. It's 24-7 Skins. Ho Ho ho. 

Robert Kelley is Questionable to return with a knee injury. 

Barkley gets the moving downfield by going no huddle out of the shotgun & they get a TD with 34 seconds left in the Half. 24-14 Skins. Ho Ho ummm. 

End of the first half. 

The start of the second half has Howard get injured, a Preston Smith sack on Barkley, a Bears converted fake punt, & a Josh Norman pick. Welcome to Crazy Town. 

Funny how those "DJax wouldn't rule out a Philly return" rumors were going a few weeks ago & the last 3 games he's gotten more targets. Like the one that incomplete to start the Skins opening 2nd half drive. That was his 7th current target of the game. Which at that point lead the WRs as Garçon was next with 4 targets. 

Skins end another drive with a TD scored by Cousins on a QB sneak from the 1. Skins increase their lead to 31-14. The Bears next drive is stopped short as Breeland gets in on the INT game & picks off Barkley. Skins are rolling so hard we get a Mack Brown sighting at RB & Crowder gets a second target. Cousins doesn't connect with Davis in the end zone on 4th & 1. It's the type of ballsy call that you make when you're up by three scores. The Bears have Howard back in the game though down 17 expect them to abandon the run game. 

Start of the Fourth sees Barkley nearly picked off again in the corner end zone only to actually get picked off on the next play by Blackmon who returns it 79 yards. Skins takeover again at the Chicago 10 as Sabotage by the Beastie Boys blasts the stadium. Fitting song.  Mack Brown gets it to the 1 where a holding penalty halts this TD attempt & forces the Skins to kick. It's good & now 34-14 Skins. HO HO HO

Bears drive it to the 1 & Norman picks off Barkley. Again. Even though it's pretty much the equivalent of pulling the wings off a fly, this Redskins performance sure is enjoyable.