Week 1 Loss Leaves Redskins Searching for Answers

By John Pappas (ES Coverage Staff)

For Redskins’ fans, this offseason was filled with excitement and anticipation.

Washington won the NFC East in 2015, riding the back of an offense and quarterback in Kirk Cousins that seemed to get better each week until losing in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite the loss, the team entered the post-season with no major injuries to key players. There were no salary cap issues and fans expected the team to keep their major stars. Even better, General Manager Scot McCloughan would have another free agency and draft to enhance the overall talent-level of the roster.

Then there was quarterback Kirk Cousins, who, unlike last year when he was named starting quarterback late in preseason, would have the benefit of an entire offseason working and learning as the starter. Despite the franchise tag placed on him by the team, which some construed as a lack of confidence in the hurler, reports from camp and limited play in preseason suggested he would pick up where he left off in 2015.

All of which left fans with a hopeful feeling for 2016, which even extended to week 1 verses Pittsburgh.

Sure, there was the fact that the Redskins don’t seem to play very well in prime time. Nor had they managed a winning campaign against the Steelers since 1991. But the expectation was a competitive game featuring scoring and a close finish.

Following the division title, many thought Washington poised to change the dynamic in nationally televised games at FedEx Field.

Instead, the game unfolded like so many other Redskins’ losses. Competitive early, Washington could not take advantage of turnovers and field position. Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns gave way to huge, momentum-shifting scoring plays by Pittsburgh. They had no success running and excepting a few passing plays beyond 20-yards, were limited to check-downs in the passing game.

Only when the Redskins abandoned the huddle for the hurry-up in the second half did they find any kind any sort of rhythm which led a touchdown drive.

In all, the loss left fans with more questions than answers. And now, the week two matchup verses the Dallas Cowboys becomes a must-win game. Sure, the Redskins can afford a non-conference loss at home to the Steelers. But add to that a division loss at home to the Cowboys, while arriving at an 0-2 record, and it becomes intolerable.

But there was one question answered in the loss: The Redskins are not an elite NFL team.

Oh they can still be good. They can still win the division. But they are not-yet ready to be discussed along with the top two or three teams in the league. They haven’t yet staked their claim.

As the sting of the loss wears off, fans are left with serious questions.

Can the Redskins run the ball?

Washington allowed Alfred Morris to leave following the season. They decided instead to hook their wagon to Matt Jones and players to be named. To begin the season, the Redskins backfield features Matt Jones, carry-over Chris Thompson, and rookie Robert Kelley.

Against Pittsburgh the rushing attack totaled 55-yards on 12 carries (one being a quarterback scramble). Jones was the top rusher with 24-yards on seven-carries. But half of those came on a single carry.

Washington’s offense ran 55-plays. But only 11 designed running plays. With so few attempts it is apparent the Redskins abandoned the run well too soon. In order to answer whether Washington can have an effective rushing attack, the Redskins need to stay with the run-game to see if it can work.

Can Washington’s defensive front pressure opposing quarterbacks?

The Redskins registered no sacks against the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger is a master at getting the ball out quickly, and the result was 300-yards passing with three touchdowns and an interception.

Following the game, Washington made roster moves, bringing in defensive line veteran Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins spent the final week of the preseason on the Redskins’ roster, registering a sack in game 4. Washington hopes his addition will lead to more pressure on the quarterback, which will result in quarterback sacks and hurries.

Will the Redskins secondary be as good as advertised?

If Washington can generate more pressure up front, it will reduce the obligation of the secondary to cover for as long. Conversely, if the secondary can cover the receivers longer, it will create opportunities for the pass-rushers.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry was asked why new addition Josh Norman wasn’t assigned to Anthony Brown full-time. Barry explained to the press this week Baushad Breeland was in excellent position for the first Brown touchdown Monday night, but that Brown made a near-perfect catch.

In fact, Barry stated, on very few occasions was Breeland beaten badly by Brown. The challenge was the exceptional skill of Brown, whom he described as one of the best receivers in the league.

Still, it is hard to imagine Norman not being assigned exclusively to Dez Bryant this weekend.

And with the New York Giants and Odell Beckham Jr. on the horizon, the subplots involving Norman matching up against  star receivers have fans salivating. 

In the big picture, Washington will need to do these things somewhat effectively to make the transition to a top-tier team. The Redskins have not logged back-to-back winning seasons since 1993. But this year, they have a good chance to do it.

The division remains weak and Washington need only to register performances akin to last year to compete for the NFC East. But in order to take the next step, real improvement is required on both sides of the ball.

Gregg Williams, when he was in Washington, used to say a team is never as good or as bad as a single game suggests. This is likely true and it is likely the Redskins are a better team than their first game suggested.

But in order to make the case of an improved squad, they need to start to answer the questions above.

John Pappas (JimmiJo) has covered the Washington Redskins since 2006 for Extremeskins, Warpath Magazine, Skinscast Podcast, and others. His mind-numbing rants can be enjoyed on Extremeskins and on Twitter @Skinscast