10/9/16

VICTORY

Redskins 16 - 10 Ravens

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, friends and countrymen, we are once again gathered to witness the spectacle that is Washington Redskins football. My name is JimmiJo, and along with Spaceman Spiff, will bring you the sites and sounds behind the curtains of today's game.

Washington comes in on a roll, the winner of two straight. After stumbling out of the gate with a decisive whoopin' at the hands of Pittsburgh, and then squandering an obvious opportunity for victory versus Dallas, the Redskins pulled off a big win in New York and followed that up with home win against Cleveland.

But this Baltimore Ravens team is another bird entirely (see what I did there?). Baltimore features the number one defense in the NFL, where they allow a stingy 256-yards per game. They are ranked third in passing defense and fifth in rushing. And in scoring defense they are eighth. 

Baltimore will bring this defense to bear against the Redskins' eighth-ranked overall offense in the league. Washington ranks fifth in passing offense, 20th in rushing, and 12th in scoring.

If you don't mind, I would rather not discuss the Redskins' 29th-ranked defense...

So is this a game Washington can win? Yes, but they have to be solid in most every area. Offensively, Washington's attack has to be balanced, meaning mixing a successful run-game in with their potent passing game. Defensively, the Redskins need to get pressure on Joe Flacco and limit the big play. And they absolutely need to do a better job on third down defense. Theirs currently ranks last on the planet. 

For most teams such a prescription would be a tall-order for an away-game. But Washington showed in New York they are not intimidated playing on the road.

What say you? Do the Redskins have a chance? What are you keys to success?

Discuss among yourselves and I will be back shortly.

Stand by... 

INACTIVES

The Redskins declared the following players as inactive:

o   No. 2 QB Nate Sudfeld

o   No. 18 WR Josh Doctson

o   No. 26 CB Bashaud Breeland

o   No. 35 CB Dashaun Phillips

o   No. 36 S Su’a Cravens

o   No. 60 OL Vinston Painter

o   No. 72 DE Anthony Lanier II

Final Pre-Game Thoughts

Like I said above, the Redskins can win this game. But to do so they will need to play their very best. Defensively, they did something last week that made a difference - they created turnovers. They need more to win today.

Predictions? Eh, don't bet the house on the good guys.

Follow along in-game on Twitter @Skinscast 

Half

I will never forgive them for going for it on 4th and 1 from the 20. That was certain points I think. The FG attempt at the end of the half not so much.

This was a half of missed opportunities and mistakes. But still, the Redskins are within a single score and get the ball to start the half. If they get the offense going they have a chance all day.

BTW - FU Ravens for taking the timeout at the end of the half. It was more than fitting Joe Flacco was sacked on the ensuing play. 

 JimmiJo

The Redskins needed a lot of luck and this game was far from pretty; but this was a BIG win for Washington today.

The difference between 3-2 and 2-3 is significant. It means the difference between a winning and losing record. It means a third win on the trot and we can use ‘momentum’ without exaggerating. But it meant even more.

The Redskins beat a team with a winning record, in their house, and one who came in with the number one defense in the league.

Sure, Washington managed only 60-yards on the ground. Yes, they added but another 250 through the air and managed only 10 offensive points. And but for a very dumb play by a guy who made an outstanding interception when C.J. Mosely bowled the ball through the back of the endzone; the Ravens walk away solid winners.

But they didn’t.

So I will gladly thank our lucky stars (and Breshad Perriman’s right foot) for the win and go home happy.

Mind you, the Redskins won with a below-average performance from Kirk Cousins. Cousins finished the day 29/41 for 260-yards, a touchdown and interception for an 85.41 rating. But the numbers don’t tell the tale. Cousins missed some gimmes today. Jordan Redd and DeSean Jackson were both running free when Cousins overthrew them for what would have been likely touchdowns. There was the interception. But just as bad was the throw wide on 3^rd-and-1 on the second-to-last series which would have converted the third down and made the ending a lot less exciting.

I am happy a much maligned defense stepped up in a big way to prevent any 2^nd-half points. They allowed Baltimore to go only 3-for-15 on third down (20%) after coming in last in the league on third down.

Two other key aspects of the defense’s game: pressure and negative plays. Washington had three sacks on the day and more than a couple loss-of-yard running plays by Baltimore.

I will leave the defensive writeup with this: Washington’s 29^th-ranked defense allowed fewer yards (306) then the league’s best (310).

But game ball has to go to special teams. When was the last time you could argue teams won the game for Washington? Jaimeson Crowder on the return showed incredible speed and strength as he ran through what looked to be an obvious tackle on his way to the end zone. Not to be left out, Will Blackmon tacked on a 45-yard return.

So after a 0-and-2 start, the Redskins have got it going with three wins in a row. Going to Baltimore and beating the Ravens has got to be a confidence-booster.

Sure, Washington normally would lose with a performance featuring just 10 offensive points while they lose the turnover battle and run for just 60-yards. But fate and fortune were on their side and now they are as relevant as anyone in the division.

If nothing else, we get to talk all kinds of trash to the Baltimorons this week.

Post Game Audio

P.S. Only Pappas can be so wrong about this team and be so happy about it. I picked a loss and cheered the win.