Rich Tandler's Real Redskins

Reviewing the keys: Redskins win takeaway battle, still lose war

By Ryan O’Halloran

Reviewing the four things to watch we listed for Sunday’s Redskins-Eagles game.

1. ACCOUNTING FOR EVERYBODY

Entering the game: Rookie left tackle Willie Smith’s first four games will be against four Pro Bowl pass rushers – Andre Carter, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jared Allen and finally, Jason Babin. That group has combined for 62 sacks entering Week 17 action. 

What happened: Babin wasn’t credited with a sack and Rex Grossman was sacked once (Trent Cole) but it will be interesting to see the breakdowns in protection when looking at the game in coming days. During one stretch, Rex was decked on four consecutive drop-backs. For Smith, he got the last month to show the Redskins he can a) start at right tackle by beating out Jammal Brown or b) play left tackle if Trent Williams screws up again.

2. PREVENTING THE BIG PLAY

Entering the game: The Eagles thrive on the big play – their 59 pass plays of at least 20 yards are tied for seventh and their 19 rushes of at least 20 yards are fourth in the NFL.

What happened: Except a 30-yard pass to tight end Brent Celek, the Redskins held the Eagles’ big play-makers in check for three quarters. But it’s a four-quarter game. Among the Eagles 10 longest plays, five came in the fourth quarter, including a 62-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson. The other biggies in the final quarter was a 29-yard pass to Jeremy Maclin, a 23-yarder to Celek and a 20-yard run by Dion Lewis.

3. GIVEAWAY AND TAKEAWAY

Entering the game: The Redskins came in second with 34 giveaways, last in turnover ratio at minus-15, two or more turnovers in 14 straight games and a turnover in every game. The Eagles were tied for first with 36 giveaways, 30th in turnover ratio at minus-13, two or more turnovers in 11 games and only one game without a giveaway.

What happened: The Redskins had one giveaway (Rex Grossman interception) and two takeaways (Brian Orakpo forced fumble and O.J. Atogwe interception). But the Redskins could score no points off those sudden change plays. The Redskins scored 43 points this year off opponents’ turnovers (1.9 per turnover); opponents scored 83 points (2.3 per turnover).

4. ACCOUTING FOR EVERYBODY

Entering the game: Philadelphia came in on pace to become the third team in NFL history to have five players catch 50 or more passes (1980 Browns and 1994 Patriots). Brent Celek (56), Jeremy Maclin (55) and DeSean Jackson (54) are already there and next up is Jason Avant and LeSean McCoy (both 48).

What happened: The Eagles didn’t join the Browns and Patriots – Avant had four catches but McCoy was inactive due to injury. The Redskins didn’t account for everybody on a consistent basis. Maclin was great (eight catches for 105 yards), Jackson made his aforementioned big play and Celek (six for 86) had his third-best yardage game of the season.

Reviewing the keys: Allen contained, Gerhard not

By Ryan O’Halloran

Reviewing the four keys we identified as things to watch during the Vikings-Redskins game (won by Minnesota, 33-26): 

1. ACCOUNTING FOR ALLEN

Entering the game: The Vikings were a statistical anomaly – third in the NFL with 40 sacks, but 30th in passing yards allowed and last with only six interceptions. Jared Allen was second with 17.5 sacks.

What happened: Allen had one sack – he beat rookie left tackle Willie Smith and two quarterback hits, but the Redskins didn’t let him completely disrupt the passing game. As for the interceptions, Minnesota picked off Rex Grossman in the fourth quarter for its first INT in a whopping 10 games.

2. ALL DAY ADRIAN

Entering the game: Adrian Peterson was averaging 4.8 yards per carry and despite missing three games, was nearing another 1,000-yard season. The Redskins were middle of the road against the run (15th) but have played better recently, giving up fewer big plays that skew the numbers.

What happened: Just call him Half Day Adrian. He sustained a knee injury on a hit by Redskins safety DeJon Gomes on the third quarter’s opening possession and did not return. He had 12 carries for 38 yards at the time of his departure. Unfortunately for the Redskins, that meant Toby Gerhart along with back-up quarterback Joe Webb. The Redskins allowed a season-high 241 rushing yards.

3. PRESSURING PONDER

Entering the game: Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder had been sacked 28 times, including at least three times in seven straight games. After just one sack in losses to the Jets and Patriots, the Redskins’ pass rush amped up against the Giants, taking down Eli Manning three times.

What happened: During Ponder’s one half plus one series, he was sacked one time but it was costly – he got high-lowed by Adam Carriker and London Fletcher, sustained a concussion and did not return. Too bad for the Redskins – against the mobile Webb, the only sack was a gift for Perry Riley.

4. STAYING AGGRESSIVE

Entering the game: The Redskins had traveled to the outer chapters of their play-book the last two games in an effort to make big plays.

What happened: No trickery this week, but the play calling on the first series was interesting. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan dialed up passing plays on five of the six opening-drive plays. The reverse came in the fourth quarter when Brandon Banks scooted around the left side for a 59-yard touchdown that was negated by Darrel Young’s holding penalty on Allen.

Contact O’Halloran at rohalloran@comcastsportsnet.com

 

Reviewing the keys: Eli flustered? Check!

By Ryan O’Halloran

Reviewing the four things to watch we identified entering Sunday’s Redskins-Giants game:

1. FLUSTERING ELI

Entering the game: Giants quarterback Eli Manning had already set a career-high in passing yards (4,105) and Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks both merit Pro Bowl attention – both are over 1,000 yards receiving.

What happened: The Redskins had three sacks, four quarterback hits and a season-high three interceptions. Manning was a dreadful 23-of-40 for 257 yards (a lot came in garbage time). Cruz and Nicks had five catches apiece, but none went for longer than 20 yards. O.J. Atogwe, DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson had interceptions for the Redskins.

2. FOUR STRAIGHT FOR HELU

Entering the game: Redskins running back Roy Helu responded to his starting assignment with three consecutive 100-yard rushing games (a Redskins rookie record). The Giants were ranked 30th in yards allowed.

What happened: Helu endured tough sledding, rushing 23 times for 53 yards (2.3-yard average) and having no rushes of longer than eight yards. But the Redskins still achieved 100-plus yards rushing thanks to Evan Royster’s 36 yards and 14 apiece from Darrel Jones and Anthony Armstrong. That kind of production helped the Redskins hold a 10-minute edge in time of possession.

3. TIME FOR A TRICK PLAY

Entering the game: The Redskins surprised the Patriots last week by putting Brandon Banks on the field (first time all year), handing him the football and letting him throw it – 49 yards to Santana Moss – for a touchdown. Now it’s time for the special teams to open the playbook.

What happened: Nothing on special teams, but the Redskins’ offense started with a flea-flicker – Rex Grossman to Helu, back to Grossman, but the Giants’ Corey Webster had the interception downfield. Later, Armstrong and Niles Paul, both receivers, had rushes.

4. ACCOUTING FOR PIERRE-PAUL

Entering the game: The Giants have 36 sacks this year and Jason Pierre-Paul has developed into a start with a team-high 12.5 sacks. It will be a test for rookie left tackle Willie Smith.

What happened: Pierre-Paul was New York’s best player – 16 tackles (incredible for a defensive end), one sack and three quarterback hits. The one sack didn’t come against Smith, who made his first NFL start. Young had bad technique and Pierre-Paul was unblocked.

Reviewing the keys: Skins can't contain Carter

By Ryan O’Halloran

Reviewing the four things to watch we identified for Sunday’s Redskins-Patriots game. New England won 34-27.

1. COVERING ‘GRONK,’ HERNANDEZ

Entering the game: Second-year tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez came to FedEx Field with a combined 119 catches for 1,451 yards and 18 touchdowns this year. Gronkowski leads the NFL with 13 scores. In short, they’re a match-up nightmare.

What happened: They’re still a match-up nightmare. Gronkowski caught six passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns (giving him 15, a single-season NFL record for a tight end). He had receptions of 49, 50 and 37 yards. Hernandez caught five passes for 84 yards.

2. ACCOUNTING FOR CARTER

Entering the game: New England signed former Redskins defensive end Andre Carter after the lockout and his nine sacks led the Patriots and were tied for ninth in the league.

What happened: Carter made the Patriots’ first touchdown happen when he beat rookie left tackle Willie Smith to sack Rex Grossman (3.09 seconds), whose fumble was recovered by Vince Wilfork for a touchdown. Carter finished with five tackles and three quarterback hits. 

3. THE NFL’S TOP RECEIVER

Entering the game: Welker led the NFL with 93 catches for 1,253 yards. If he really gets on a roll, he could challenge Marvin Harrison’s single-season record of 143 catches.

What happened: Welker had a quiet first half (one catch for eight yards), but Tom Brady made No. 83 a priority in the second half and he finished with seven catches for 86 yards and a 24-yard touchdown. But it wasn’t Welker who beat the Redskins. Gronkowski took care of that.

4. TOUCHDOWNS, NOT FIELD GOALS

Entering the game: The Patriots’ defense entering last in yards allowed but decent in points allowed and red zone defense. The Redskins are 27th in points and tied for 25th in red zone percentage.

What happened: Field goals didn’t get it done for the Redskins. They were 2-of-5 in the red zone, including the game-clinching interception in the last half-minute. The Redskins will kick themselves for getting to the 1-yard line early and kicking a field goal and the 5-yard line late and turning it over.

 

Up-Downs: Defense bends, finally breaks

By Ryan O’Halloran

The Game 12 edition of Redskins Up-Downs after they lost 34-19 to the New York Jets on Sunday:

UP
Defense … for three-and-a-half quarters

The Redskins’ defense put their team in position to win, but when the offense wouldn’t oblige (field goals instead of touchdowns), they eventually cracked, giving up 21 points in the final five minutes.

DOWN
Fred Davis and Trent Williams

If the report they will be suspended for four games due to failed drug tests comes to fruition, they should be lambasted for selfish and stupid behavior. It’s an embarrassment to the Redskins’ franchise.

UP
Niles Paul and Perry Riley

Paul’s pursuit of a punt and Riley’s heads-up return of the fumbled punt put the Redskins in position for a touchdown. They settled for a field goal.

DOWN
Jabar Gaffney’s production

For the first time this year, Gaffney went without a catch. He entered having caught at least three passes in each game. Against the Jets, he was targeted only three times. 

UP
Opening offensive drive

For the first 10 games, the Redskins had posted just a field goal on their opening drive. Now they have touchdowns the last two weeks. This march was eight plays and 82 yards and so efficient, the Redskins didn’t face a third down situation. The big plays were, in order, Helu 15 run, Davis 42 catch and Helu 2 run for touchdown. 

DOWN
Rex Grossman

Rex was 19-of-46 for 221 yards. He was sacked twice and had two more turnover (fumble and interception). Outside of the first drive, the passing game never had any kind of rhythm.

UP
Graham Gano

The kicker had struggled throughout the last month but he had his best game in awhile by hitting all four of his field goal attempts.

DOWN
Third down offense

The Redskins were 5-of-16 on third down (31 percent). The last two games, they are a combined 8-of-26 (30.7 percent).

UP
London Fletcher

Credited with 17 tackles. Enough said.

 

Reviewing the 4: Redskins contain Jets WR's--almost

By Ryan O’Halloran

Reviewing the four things to watch I identified for Sunday’s Jets-Redskins game, won 34-19 by New York:

1. BIG PLAY REPEAT

Entering the game: For the first time in seven weeks, the Redskins’ offense had three plays of at least 28 yards against Seattle.

What happened: The Redskins had five plays of at least 21 yards, including catches of 42 and 30 yards by tight end Fred Davis. Too bad Fast Freddy is likely done for the season because of a drug suspension. The Jets cornerbacks locked down on the Redskins’ receivers – Santana Moss had the longest catch from that group (21 yards) and Jabar Gaffney went without a catch for the first time this year.

2. CONTAINING BURRESS, HOLMES

Entering the game: Jets receivers Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes had combined for 74 catches and 12 touchdowns.

What happened: Save for one play, the Redskins’ secondary did their job, but that one play helped the Jets take the lead for good. Cornerback Josh Wilson bit on Holmes’ double move and caught a 30-yard touchdown catch. Holmes and Burress combined for seven catches and 91 yards.

3. HELU STARTING, PART 2

Entering the game: Running back Roy Helu produced against a top-half-of-the-NFL Seattle defense and the Jets have similar numbers. The Jets entered eighth overall and 15th against the rush.

What happened: Helu started and played nearly all of the snaps. He had all of the Redskins’ 23 carries (for 100 yards) and caught four passes for 42 yards. The Redskins didn’t have great balance – 11 carries and 20 passes in the first half, 23 rushes and 46 passes for the game.

4. PLACE-KICK PROTECTION

Entering the game: Kicker Graham Gano led the NFL (again) with nine misses and that included blocked kicks by Arizona, Dallas, Buffalo and Seattle. The Seahawks also blocked an extra point and got a piece of a made field goal. 

What happened: Gano had his best game since Week 7 in Carolina, connecting on field goal attempts of 33, 23, 46 and 23 yards and one extra point.

 

Rare penalty problems for Redskins

By Ryan O'Halloran

In last week’s win at Seattle, the Redskins went out of character on two fronts, one good, one bad.

They scored a touchdown on their opening drive – that was a first this year.

But the Redskins were also called for 115 yards in penalties – a season high.

Through 11 games, the Redskins’ 61 penalties were the fifth-fewest in the NFL, but they tied a season high with 10 flags against the Seahawks and only one had to do with the constant first-half tumult between the two teams.

The Redskins have four or fewer penalties in six games, six flags in two games and nine or more in three games.

The yardage vs. Seattle was skewed by cornerback Josh Wilson’s 44-yard pass interference penalty, the Redskins’ longest penalty of the year and a debatable call at best.

“The back judge called the penalty and the side judge, who had a pretty good look at it, did not,” coach Mike Shanahan said earlier this week. “There was a discrepancy there. … At the end of the day, you’re going to get some you believe isn’t interference and other ones, you’re going to say, ‘Hey, maybe it was a little ticky-tack.’”

Said defensive coordinator Jim Haslett: “I don’t know if it was the right call. I’m not saying if it was right or if it was poor. All those are judgment calls. To me, it’s the length of the penalty. It should be a 15-yard penalty, not a 44-yard penalty [like in college]. But until that rule changes, we just have to live with it.”

Among the division leaders, only Green Bay (56) was among the top five in fewest penalties. The other totals are Houston (65), New England (67), Baltimore (68), New Orleans (69), Dallas (82), San Francisco (82) and Oakland (109).

The Raiders are the exception to the rule – they lead the NFL in penalties.

 

Redskins' ground game opens up play action

By Ryan O'Halloran

The Redskins were finally able to establish the running game against Seattle, having their best performance since their last win (Week 4 at St. Louis).

What getting Roy Helu going allowed offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to effectively use the play-action game.

Among quarterback Rex Grossman’s 36 drop-backs, he performed the play-action motion 18 times (50 percent).

On those attempts, he was intercepted twice and completed a pass to himself once, but otherwise had success. 

The play-action results: 9 to Helu, incomplete to Santana Moss, 20 to Fred Davis (minus-15 for penalty), 1 to Darrel Young, 31 to Davis, 2 TD to Davis. … 21 to Young, 18 to Jabar Gaffney, 0 to Grossman (minus-5 for penalty). … Interception. … 17 to Gaffney, 4 to Gaffney (negated by penalty). … Interception. … 16 to Gaffney, 11 to Logan Paulsen. … 5 to Davis, 17 to Gaffney. … 15 to Mike Sellers.

 

Quick Hits: Royster 10th draft pick to play

By Ryan O’Halloran

SEATTLE – Cleaning out the notebook from the Redskins’ 23-17 win over Seattle on Sunday.

* Quarterback Rex Grossman had a season-high 314 yards passing. It was his fifth career 300-yard game and second this year (305 vs. the Giants in Week 1). 

* The Redskins won the game but lost the turnover ratio. They were minus-1 and are minus-11 for the year.

* The Redskins held the ball for 33 minutes, 20 seconds and moved to 4-0 when holding the time of possession edge.

* The Redskins’ opening-drive touchdown was their first of the year and first in exactly a year. Fred Davis caught a 10-yard TD last year vs. Minnesota and a 2-yard TD Sunday vs. Seattle.

* The opening scoring drive of 14 plays was tied for longest of the season (Week 2, Arizona, field goal).

* The Redskins’ 16 fourth-quarter points was the fourth time in 11 years they reached that mark and the first they did so in a comeback win.

* It took until his 45th punt, but Sav Rocca finally had his first touchback of the season.

* Rookie running back Evan Royster made his NFL debut, the 10th of the Redskins’ 12 draft picks to play this year. Per the team, they are the only team in the league to have 10 rookie picks play this year.

* The Redskins’ schedule vs. the NFC West is complete and it’s too bad. They beat Arizona, St. Louis and Seattle and lost to San Francisco.

 

Redskins glad Cowboys made different choices

By Ryan O'Halloran

Since joining the Redskins two weeks ago, running back Tashard Choice has done a lot of talking but no playing. He hopes that changes Sunday against Dallas, the team that drafted him and then waived him earlier this month.

Choice had 28 carries for 75 yards for the Cowboys this year before his exit.

“I think as much as anything, it had a lot to do with the emergence of the young backs we’ve had,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “Tashard has been a really good player for us the past few years, but he was banged up. He was banged up in training camp and banged up at different points during the season.

“We just felt like we’d love to still have Tashard, but with the emergence of [DeMarco Murray and Phillip Tanner] and how they’re going to play on special teams, it was a move we could make.” 

Choice has missed his first two games with the Redskins because of a hamstring injury but was listed as full-go during Wednesday’s practice.

“You always want to play a guy when he’s ready,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “He has to be physically ready and mentally ready. I think he’s feeling pretty good about himself right now.”