Twelfth man Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 I can't wait until we welcome Game Day 2016 #Redskins vs Steelers! Four months from today, at the conclusion of the penultimate game of the first week of the 97th NFL season, we will have our first glimpse of how the Redskins might do. I have come to conclude that offseason programs, workouts and minicamps, and pre-season games, do not indicate to fans whether the Redskins will play well or not during the regular season. While it seems like it will take forever for September 12th to arrive, I hope that players on this year's Redskins roster do not suffer any impactful injuries while preparing for it. So what can we expect from this first game of the season? The game against the Steelers, 10-6 last season, will likely show how the Redskins will perform against teams with a winning record at least toward the beginning of the season. In 2015, Washington’s best result against a team with a winning record, was a two touchdown loss. How great it would be to start the season with a win against the Steelers on Monday Night Football! The game against the Steelers will also indicate, by how much the Redskins' rushing attack improved. Trying to outscore the best teams in the league with just an air attack is not a formula for long-term success. Keeping opponents guessing whether we will run or pass will lead to more victories; it will also allow us to better control the game clock. Washington was 30th last season (3rd worst) with 3.7 yards gained per attempt. How do the Redskins' offensive line and running backs get better and fair against Tomlin's defense? The game against the Steelers will convey how much Washington's defensive lines and safeties perform against one of the league's most formidable offenses led by Big Ben, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell / DeAngelo Williams among other stars. Last season, the Steelers had the 3rd most offensive yards, and the Redskins gave up the 5th most. Washington’s rushing defense allowed 4.8 yards per attempt, 31st in the league (2nd to last). Pittsburgh fans travel well; this first game will show how loyal we Redskins fans are to avoid selling tickets to Steelers faithful; it would be really embarrassing for this to occur in the home opener. Scot McCloughan has brought the expectation of an upgraded roster. After last pre-season, I expected Kirk Cousins and rookies to do well but not as well as they did. I am excited about Cousins second full season, continued growth of Jordan Reed, Brandon Scherff, Preston Smith, Matt Jones, Jamison Crowder, Morgan Moses, Dustin Hopkins, Tress Way, Chris Baker and Bashaud Breeland, and contributions from the two new Joshes -- Norman and Doctson, Junior Galette, since he didn't play last season, and Su'a Cravens. If McCloughan has the same level of success with the draft class, then at least one other draft pick will contribute this season as well. In sum, the rushing attack and total defense, including against the run, must be much better to have a better season; in 2015, falling behind in games and the imbalance in these areas ended up preventing our team from being competitive against the better teams. Will the pass set up the run? Will we again have more takeaways than giveaways? Can we continue to reduce the number of penalties, back down to a total in the double digits? What will be the keys and game plan for Redskins victories? Bring on the Steelers in the season opener, a great contest against a non-division opponent! While we stand by, share any thoughts you have below. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC9 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 This takes amnesiac to a new level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saeth29 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 I get it, I'm excited too. But now I'm confused. It's not gameday... Is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjfootballer Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Not excited yet. Too early. Talk to me in August. You sure do make a lot of threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurgundyMalaise Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 On my way to the stadium!!! See you guys there, hope my flask and one hitter doesn't run out before the tailgate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveakl Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Let's do this! 123 more days! #turndownforwhat Oh, and we need to run the ball more! What's with the play calling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooleyfan1993 Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 It's regular season already? Huh...sunmer does seem to go by way too fast these days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clskinsfan Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 It is May right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twelfth man Posted May 20, 2016 Author Share Posted May 20, 2016 It is May right? Yes it is, but this game is already a focal point of the Redskins. Earlier this week, Bruce Allen said: "We're worried about the Pittsburgh Steelers."1 This game will be the first of six games against 2015 playoff teams and the only such game in the first seven weeks of the season. To set the appropriate tone for the start of the season, a great performance in this nationally televised game will be extremely important. I can't wait. HTTR. 1 - Inside the Locker Room. ESPN 980 WTEM. May 16, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedskinsLegacy Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 Wow, 5 prime time games this season! Steelers, Bengals, Packers, Cowboys and Panthers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsGuy Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 Wow, 5 prime time games this season! Steelers, Bengals, Packers, Cowboys and Panthers Well, actually, the Bengals one is a Breakfast at Wembly" game. That one starts at 9:30 in the morning U.S. East Coast time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD_washingtonredskins Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 The opener always gets so much focus and is considered far too much of a barometer. The game against Miami last year really didn't tell us anything about how our team would turn out. We had a pretty tight D, a strong running game, and a very tentative passing game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twelfth man Posted September 3, 2016 Author Share Posted September 3, 2016 Steelers in 10 days! Looks like Steelers are going to run a lot of no huddle / few subs offense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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