ES Coverage

Saints 43 - Redskins 19

DEFEAT.

Postgame thoughts

When the ground game never gets going and your receivers are missing in action as they have been for the first month of the season, it turns out it's pretty difficult to put points on the board. Conversely, when your defense practically begs the home team to start off hot by picking up penalties on three early 3rd down plays to keep drives alive, you're going to face an uphill battle. And if both of those things happen at the same time to the same team ... well ... you get a blowout of epic proportions.

This game wasn't competitive for very long and it had as much to do with what the Redskins weren't doing as it did what the Saints were doing. Redskins defenders showed zero discipline as they took selfish fouls to keep New Orleans on the field. And, let's not forget, coming into the game, the Saints were averaging 34 points and more than 400 yards of total offense per game.

Had the Redskins simply been able to limit them to their average showing, it might not have been too embarrassing. Alas, this one turned into a rout, the kind that all too often occurs during primetime games. Had the Saints actually tried to run the score up, rather than being content to just hand the ball off a dozen times in a row just to keep the 4th quarter clock running, New Orleans honestly could have scored 60. I'd make a joke about the Redskins being the homecoming opponent, but it hurts too much because this franchise actually tries to have a homecoming game each season.

Alex Smith looked like a big bag of average tonight. The receiving corps continues to collect a paycheck while rarely collecting passes. Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson both suffered injuries during this game. Trent Williams and the offensive line looked uncharacteristically beatable during Monday Night Football. And Jordan Reed was allegedly also involved in this particular game. Or so I'm told.

In all seriousness, the Saints followed the blueprint set forth by the Colts earlier this season and blitzed early and often. Just like during Week 2, the offensive line struggled to handle the additional pressure and the entire offense sputtered as Smith took sacks and/or missed his intended targets. Why would any team in the league would stray away from this concept when facing the Redskins? Until they show they can make teams pay for overloading the line of scrimmage, expect more of the same.

Simply put: With two weeks to prepare, the Redskins had a chance to send a message to their division rivals and to secure a statement win. That didn't happen and things are only going to get more challenging moving forward. No one in the visitor's locker room should feel good about their performance on Monday Night Football. Lord knows many 'Skins fans take it personally when the franchise lays an egg like this one. Hopefully more than a few players conduct some soul searching and really dig into why this happens as frequently as it does when this franchise is asked to play before a national audience.

Pregame thoughts

Hello friends,

It's been a while, but I'm thrilled to be back on the sidelines providing coverage of the burgundy and gold. It's been two weeks since we last saw the Redskins in action, and while a Week 4 bye week is generally awful, this one might actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Several important players -- to include Adrian Peterson and a few members of the offensive line -- are already nursing injuries, so a little rest and recovery is never a bad thing. Additionally, every other NFC East team has completely fallen apart while the Redskins enjoyed their time away. The Eagles, Giants and Cowboys have gone a combined 1-5 the last two weeks, vaulting Washington to the top of the divisional standings without even taking to the field.

If they'd like to remain in first place in the division though, they're going to have their work cut out for them. I'm not sure if you know this, but Drew Brees is good at football. And with roughly 200 yards passing tonight, he'll surpass Peyton Manning for the most passing yards in NFL history. The locals are fairly certain Brees will lock up that honor before halftime. And with the sheer number of weapons at his disposal, they might not be wrong.

Michael Thomas might not be a household name, but he's having as solid of a season as any wideout in football. Ted Ginn Jr. wasn't much in Miami, but he's a fairly solid deep threat when Brees is involved. Mark Ingram returns from a four-game suspension to add depth to the backfield, which already boasts the ridiculously talented Alvin Kamara. In short, this offense is built to win shootouts, if need be.

And with the Saints' defense, that's always a possibility. For the Redskins to emerge victorious, they're going to have to finish drives with touchdowns and avoid turnovers. Settling for field goal attempts and/or being careless with the football is a recipe for disaster. You might recall that roughly a year ago the Redskins held a two touchdown lead late into the fourth quarter ... and they still found a way to blow the game. Because Brees and Kamara were that good.

Two offensive players I'm watching tonight are Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson. Peterson spent about a month in New Orleans, before he was shipped off to Arizona amidst rumors he didn't have it anymore. Safe to say while he doesn't hold any ill will towards his former team, he'd still be happy to show them what they're missing. For Thompson, the Superdome is where he suffered his season-ending injury last season. Obviously he'd love to have a productive evening and leave New Orleans healthy and happy with a victory.

On defense, I'll be keeping an eye out for Matt Ioannidis and Jonathan Allen. Both defensive linemen have gotten off to a strong start this season and their ability to generate pressure in the backfield will go a long way towards determining how successful the defense is against Brees and friends. The Redskins desperately need the front four to win their battles, so they can have extra defenders drop back into coverage. If they need to send six or seven defenders to get to the quarterback, it's going to get ugly.

Speaking of ugly, the last two players I'm hoping to see plenty of are Jamison Crowder and Ryan Kerrigan. Both are key players at vital positions. Neither has gotten off to the start they hoped for. If one or both of them makes an appearance on Monday Night Football, that'd be huge for the away team.

This is my third trip to New Orleans. The first was the dawn of the RGIII era. The second was last season's epic collapse. If nothing else, I think it's safe to say tonight's game is going to be memorable, one way or the other.

Inactives

The Redskins declared the following players as inactive: 

o   No. 18 WR Josh Doctson

o   No. 30 S Troy Apke

o   No. 32 RB Samaje Perine

o   No. 39 CB Adonis Alexander

o   No. 74 T Geron Christian Sr.

o   No. 77 G Shawn Lauvao

o   No. 99 DL Caleb Brantley

No. 13 Maurice Harris is expected to start in place of No. 18 Josh Doctson at wide receiver

No. 66 Tony Bergstrom is expected to start in place of No. 73 Chase Roullier at center.

No. 73 Chase Roullier is expected to start in place of No. 77 Shawn Lauvao at left guard.

·         The Washington Redskins lost to the New Orleans Saints, 43-19, on Monday in front of an announced crowd of 73,028 people at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

·         The Redskins forced a fumble late in the second quarter and have now forced at least one turnover in all four games this season and eight consecutive games dating back to Week 14 of last season.

·         Quarterback Alex Smith connected on 23-of-39 passes for 275 yards and one interception for a 69.9 passer rating. Smith also recorded one rushing touchdown. It was the 15th rushing touchdown of Smith's career.

·         Running back Kapri Bibbs recorded his first career rushing touchdown on a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

·         Running back Chris Thompson finished with a team high six receptions for 45 yards (7.5 avg.) and now has hauled in 155 career receptions with the Washington Redskins. Thompson has now passed Kelvin Bryant (154) for the sixth most by a running back in franchise history.

·         Wide receiver Jamison Crowder finished with four receptions for 55 yards (13.8 avg.).

·         Wide receiver Paul Richardson Jr. hauled in four receptions for 50 yards (12.5 avg.).

·         Wide receiver Maurice Harris made his first career start and recorded his first reception of the season.

·         Harris finished with three receptions for 47 yards (15.7 avg.)

·         Wide receiver Michael Floyd made his first career start as a Washington Redskins. 

·         Linebacker Mason Foster finished the game with a team high 10 tackles (six solo). Foster has now recorded double-digit tackles for a third consecutive game. The streak is the longest of his career. 

·         Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan made his 116th consecutive regular season start, the longest active streak among active NFL linebackers. Kerrigan has not missed a start in his NFL career.

·       Kerrigan remains as one of six NFL players (and only three non-quarterbacks) to have started every game since the start of the 2011 season (Brandon Carr, Patrick Peterson, Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford).

·         Kerrigan registered a sack for a loss of eight yards. He has now recorded 500 career sack yards. 

·        Defensive lineman Daron Payne recorded one sack for a loss of six yards and now has two sacks on the season. Payne finished the game with four tackles (three solo), two quarterback hits and a forced fumble.

·      Linebacker Pernell McPhee appeared in his 100th career game and returned a fumble 24 yards to help set up a Redskins score in the second quarter.

·         Cornerback Fabian Moreau recorded his second forced fumble of the season and finished with five tackles (three solo) for the game.

·         Kicker Dustin Hopkins connected on a 53-yard field goal in the first quarter and has now recorded six career field goals of 50 yards or more. With the field goal, Hopkins has now recorded the third-most field goals of 50 or more yards in team history.

Greetings my friends, it is JimmiJo and I am joined by the man with a tripod stuck up his...backpack; Spaceman Spiff.

I am so excited I am about to pee myself. Not just because I am sitting next to Spiff. But also because this team played one of the most solid football games last week in a long time. I will put last week up against any game I can remember over the past, what, 5-seasons? I haven't been this excited after a season-opener since probably 2012 and the big win against the Saints.

The run game was magnificent. The defense spectacular. And the level of competency at the quarterback position an obvious upgrade.

In fairness it was a game of two-halves. The offense cooled significantly following halftime. But their objectives were different. They had the Cardinals beaten and needed only to hold-on

What say you?

Here's the question; was that the real Washington Redskins? Or, was it a game where things came together? I think we begin to answer that questions today. In come a very beatable Indianapolis Colts. They have a quarterback and they have a running back. Not much else.

If last week was an example of the real Redskins; today should be another W. But if not, or if they come out anemic and struggle for the win, we might be having a different conversation next week.

Inactives

The Redskins declared the following players as inactive:

o   No. 13 WR Maurice Harris

o   No. 30 S Troy Apke

o   No. 32 RB Samaje Perine

o   No. 39 CB Adonis Alexander

o   No. 55 C Casey Dunn

o   No. 74 T Geron Christian Sr.

o   No. 99 DL Caleb Brantley

The Colts declared the following players as inactive:

o   No. 28 CB Chris Milton

o   No. 37 CB Lenzy Pipkins

o   No. 38 RB Christine Michael

o   No. 58 DE Tarell Basham

o   No. 71 T/G Denzelle Good

o   No. 74 T Anthony Castonzo

o   No. 96 DE/DT Denico Autry

Ok gang, we are ready to roll. Follow along in-game on Twitter @Skinscast

JimmiJo

This team is exactly who they have always been. Middle of the pack? If we are being generous.

I admit it, I got pretty excited last week when they played a really solid football game. Today, was like so many other games I’ve watched them play over my 13-seasons.

Muddling. No identity. Anemic offensively. A defense just as apt to collapse on third-and-long as to stop the opponent.

They were so poor Indianapolis took the entire 3^rd quarter off and still made it look easy. The problem with that is they allowed the Redskins to pad the stats, making it seem like a much closer game.

In fact, the Redskins earned more first downs (20-17), total yards (334-281) and time of possession (33:20–26:40) than the Colts. They won the turnover battle (2-1). And ran 11-more plays (71-60).

Not only did I never believe they were going to win; I never even thought they were in it.

So what went wrong?

Offensively, Washington never got into a rhythm. The run game never got going. And the defensive-pressure cause problems all day for Alex Smith and the Redskins. I asked Smith if one area contributed more than the other (lack of run game versus defensive pressure) and he admitted that both played a significant role to their lack of production.

Smith finished the day 33/46 for 292-yards for a 88.3 passer rating. Not exactly Kirk Cousins’ type numbers (all he did was throw for 425-yards and 4 touchdowns with one pickin Minnesota’s tie with Green Bay).

Jamison Crowder was the leading rusher for Washington on the day. That’s right; a wide receiver was the leading rusher. Crowder ran for 29-yards on 2 carries (reverses). Second was Adrian Peterson for a scant 20-yards on 11-carries and a paltry 1.8 yards per carry (give me a second while I breath into this bag).

Given Crowder was the leading rusher, it is only right that Chris Thompson led all receivers with 92-yards on 13-catches. Those are wideout numbers. Next came Jordan Reed who logged 55-yards on 6-catches.

If your top two receivers are a running back and a tight end, you can suppose there were a lot of check downs in the game. As in;

All. Damn. Day.

Defensively, Mason Foster was all-world. Every time Washington made a play on defense, he was in it. Foster logged 11-tackles (8-solo). Then there was D.J. Swearinger. All he did was intercept Andrew Luck twice, at the most-needed times (when the game was getting threatening to get away).

But they were the exceptions. By and large this was a thorough butt-whooping by the Colts. Their pressure defensively created all kinds of problems for Washington’s offensive line. Offensively, they spent the day in third-and-short. And on those occasions where they had a long way to go on 3^rd down, they seemed to convert more often than not.

It is just week 2 however. Likely no-one will think about this game in December. This assumes they begin playing better and winning some games.

Here’s hoping they do.

All offseason if you talked to Doug Williams all you heard was "We're gonna fix the run game".  And when the Draft came around, after passing on him in the First Round, all 5-11, 225 lbs of LSU stand out, Derrius Guice fell into their lap. The pick completely re-energized the team and the fans with thoughts of a legit NFL Running Back to give them the missing part of their Offense.  

Fast Forward to the first week of Pre Season in New England where Guice, six carries in, had just started to show what he could do when when he was tackled & was extremely slow to get up. His knee required season ending surgery. The fan base instantly fell into the Pit of Misery. They knew they were right back to where they started at with Rob Kelly appearing to be the lead back. But then, thanks in part to Trent Williams, the team worked out 33 year old Running Back Adrian Peterson. Many were sceptical that at 33 he had anything left in the tank. They signed him right away instead of waiting until after Week 1 where the money wouldn't be guaranteed. Then they fed him the ball for nearly an entire drive in a pre season game. On his first run, he showed everyone else to the bench behind him as he took the RB1 slot. 

Today, in the Arizona desert, Peterson took the field as the starting Running Back of the Redskins. AP would go on to be featured in the second series of the First Quarter. The future Hall Of Famer would score his 100th career touchdown in the Second Quarter, which tied him for 7th all time.

At the end of the First Half, AP had 53 yards on 14 rushes to go along with that career touchdown.

By the end of the Third Quarter, Peterson was closing in on a 100 yard day.  91 yards on 20 rushes with an average of 4.6 yards.

With two minutes left in the Fourth, 0n 3rd & 9 at their own 8 yard line, Alex Smith hit Peterson with a short pass to the right. Peterson would take it for 56 yards before being tackled & stripped of the ball, turning it over to the Cardinals.  

Peterson would end the game with 26 carries for 96 yards & 1 touchdown. He also caught 2 of 3 passes for 70 yards. That accounts for 164 yards of a total 466 yards of Offense.

So this just happened.

Cardinals RB David Johnson just signed his extension & is calling for a Cards win to start their season. Now that he's got his pockets straight will he be playing with a purpose to prove he's worth it? And will the Redskins newly stacked D Line be prepared to show that the Cardinals just wasted their money? Tune in tomorrow, same Skins time, same Skins channel...

ES Coverage: Redskins @ Ravens

8/30/18

What's that? Meaningless preseason game? Starters won't play? Most who do will be bagging groceries next week?

I've got just the coverage-team to send...

Hello friends, JimmiJo here, joined by the inimitable one; Spaceman Spiff. Together we will bring you tonight's action.

After all, this IS a grudge match. Battle of the beltways and all. RGIII ready to enact some vengeance on his old squad. 

Meanwhile, I am not sure you can argue the roster is set in some key areas like receiver, nor the depth chart in others such as running back. A lot will depend on how many of each position the team keeps. It may also come down to a few who make a convincing case in this game 4. 

Chances are there is at least one player on this field that few people have heard of, but whom everyone fan will one day know about. I don't know who he is. But tonight is where many of us will remember seeing him for the first time. He will earn a spot based on what he does this night in Baltimore Maryland.

No inactives in the preseason. But there is definitely food in the press box. Talk soon... 

Half

I have been more than entertained so far.

Rob Kelley has run like his job depended on it.  Kevin Hogan's sideline art to Simmie Cobbs was worth the drive. And I loved the big plays on both sides.

I hope the second half is even better.

JimmiJo

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Washington Redskins 30 to 14.

Boy have we seen this movie before.

The Ravens played with more intensity. More cohesion. Hey were more physicality.

Washington seem to come in going thru the motions. They did have some bright spots, especially at the end. But for me; this game stood out more for missed tackles, penalties, and reversed calls by Washington.

Kevin Hogan played the whole game at quarterback. He did some good things. He finished the night…

Hogan had to deal with a lot of pressure throughout. He was having to throw off of his back foot much of the night. Despite this we made some very nice throws. The sideline throw to Cobbs was magnificent.

Not all of his work was positive. Two of is throws resulted in interceptions.

The real subplot was at running back. The rushing cadre featured Rob Kelley, Samaje Perine, and upstart De.Veon Smith.

All played well.

In fact, tonight was easily Kelley’s best night as a Redskin. He played with intensity I have not seen before. It was an urgency. I think he did everything possible to make a case for himself.

Kelley finished with 49-yards on 11 carries for 4.45 yards per carry. He logged 2-catches for 14-yards

Perine on the other hand was less convincing. He showed flashes of what he is capable of. He also turned the ball over being careless in the backfield in traffic.

Perine finished with 30-yards on 7 carries with a 4.3-yard per carry average and the fumble.

Smith got in the act, and made a case for himself, if not in Washington then at his next stop. Smith went 42-yards on 7 carries for an impressive 6-yards per carry average. He added a 28-yard reception.

Among the receivers, Simmie Cobbs led with 75-yards on 3 catches, to include the beautiful 38-yard sideline grab. Darvin Kidsy reeled in 5 receptions for 46-yards. Trey Quinn added 43-yards on 3-catches and Kapri Bibbs logged 3-completes for 43-yards.

There will be little time for the players to digest tonight’s effort. Final cuts are Saturday. It will be interesting to see who makes the roster.

I haven’t seen every snap of practice and the preseason. Based on this game, Perine is leaving this weekend and Kelley is staying.

We’ll know soon.

It has been a pleasure covering this preseason. But I am ready to cover a game that counts.

I will go and try to get some audio. Have a good night.

And we are back!

Hello boys and girls, welcome to another year of Washington Redskins football, home-team style.

My name is JimmiJo and I am joined by my shuttered compatriot, Spaceman Spiff. Together we bring you the sights and sounds of Redskins preseason football. Tonight represents the first home installment for Washington. I will be looking for fan enthusiasm, tho it is difficult to gauge interest-level from the preseason. These are the games that the season ticket holders give to their siblings and coworkers.

Tonight may be different as we expect Alex Smith to play. The pundits keep telling me he is Kirk Cousins only better. That will be awesome if so. 

We are quickly filling the list with season-ending injuries, with Washington losing three projected contributors in the first week of preseason. This wince-producing stat is made worse when we consider the projected contributions of Derrius Guice, now lost for the year.

All he was brought here to do was resurrect the Redskins' rushing game. 

This for me is the biggest area of concern for me. The running game has got to get better for this team to have any reason success this year.

Stand by for Inactives...

An hour later I remember they don't do inactives in the preseason. Hey, it's preseason for us too!

Not much to report. Very sparse crowd so far. But given it is a work-night and rush hour is just wrapping up on the beltway I am not surprised we are not overflowing with people yet.

The Redskins appear to be wearing burgundy tops and mustard bottoms, for those keeping score at home. The Jets meanwhile, are sporting white tops and green bottoms.

So far just the kickers and long snappers are warming up from both teams. 

The hot, sunny day is giving way to a warm, breezy evening. Should be fairly pleasant viewing conditions for those coming out.

Kickoff

It is about that time. Follow along in-game on Twitter @Skinscast

Half

Alex Smith looked sharp, going 4-6 for 48-yards and a 91 passer-rating. 

But that's not the story of this game.

The story is the injuries that continue to mount to running backs. Samaje Perine had an impressive 30-yard run. Then limped off to be evaluated for an ankle sprain. Next was Byron Marshall.  A lower leg injury they say.

The Redskins are suffering the worst run of injuries this early maybe ever. 

JimmiJo

I am not sure how much we learned tonight. I take that back.

Kevin Hogan, whom I had taken to calling ‘Nogan,’ somehow produced a lovely comeback victory with no time to spare. Way to send them home happy.

Beyond the excitement at the end I am not sure we learned much.

Alex Smith is exactly who we thought he was. Smith went 4-for-6 for 48-yards and a passer rating of 91. There was some excitement on his first call from scrimmage, when Smith play actioned the handoff and kept the ball on a bootleg, he turned to setup to hit Paul Richardson and instead received a face-full of Jets’ linebacker Jordan Jenkins. Smith completed the pass to Richardson and Jenkins was handed a 15- roughing call.

The offense are exactly who we thought they are. Feckless in the redzone; unable to produce anything but field goals. Even when the stars did align, with Colt McCoy connecting Cam Sims, area spectacular touchdown catch; cruel fate intervened with a chickenscratch procedure call.

The injuries are exactly what we feared they could be. Why is it every running back who goes for 30-yards on a single play comes up limping? Samaje Perine ran for 30-yards on his one carry on the night.

The next time he was seen was on the way to the locker room to have an ankle looked at.

Then there was Byron Marshall. He barely got into the game before coming out with a leg injury.

After the first few drives Washington did very little offensively until they had to at the very end.

And as little as this preseason game meant, it was nice to see the valiant stop at the goal line. It was even nicer to see Mr. Hogan lead the team down the field and to victory.

Oh yea, we learned one more thing - Dustin Hopkins can kick field goals.

Hail!