Running quickly abandoned vs. Eagles

By Rich Tandler

For the past several weeks I have been writing a postgame article on the Redskins’ run-pass play selections. I don’t think that anything as in depth as what I have been doing in necessary since the lopsided score explains the pass-heavy play calling but let’s take a quick look at it anyway.

As a reminder, sacks and quarterback scrambles are counted as pass plays and kneel-downs are no plays.

First drive, score 0-0

Three pass plays (1-2, 1 INT), two running plays

This was the first of four first-half drives that started with a pass; only one started with a run. The Redskins had great field position at the Eagles 44 but after getting a first down on a pass from Rex Grossman to Fred Davis, Trent Williams was flagged for holding on a running play. The third of three passes from that point was intercepted.

Second drive, score 7-0 Eagles

One pass play (0-1), two running plays

After two Torain runs gained eight yards, Grossman threw to Chris Cooley near the line. Nnamdi Asomugha tackled him instantly, possibly ending Cooley’s season.

Third drive, score 14-0 Eagles

Four pass plays (1-3 and a penalty), two running plays

The Redskins found themselves in a hole at the five yard line after a holding penalty on the kickoff return. It looked like they were going to be punting from their own end zone but a personal foul penalty bailed them out after an incomplete pass on third down.

Fourth drive, score 17-0 Eagles

One pass play (INT)

For a moment it looked like the Redskins were back in the game as Jabar Gaffney was a couple of steps behind his defender but Grossman’s pass was underthrown and picked off.

Including their two-minute drive after the Eagles took a 20-0 lead, the Redskins ran 21 plays in the first half. As Kyle Shanahan always like to tell us, if you don’t get any sustained drives going it is hard to mix up runs and passes the way you would like to. And falling further and further behind each time you get the ball doesn’t help either.

 

Comments

[Belly Kilmer]

Kyle: "if you don’t get any sustained drives going it is hard to mix up runs and passes"

Rich: " "falling further and further behind each time you get the ball doesn’t help either."

Tremendous article, Rich.

Some of our well calculated gambles on offensive line talent have not paid off as handsomely as hoped. Our O line has to (and will) be addressed this off-season. (This is, after all, a Mike Shanahan coached team.)