NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
The Redskins throwback uniforms are from 1937. The game Sunday looked much like one we would see from that time. In the pouring rain, both teams took the field. Most knew it was going to be a low scoring game with a lot of defense. However, only 9 points combined is lower than many expected.
Here are three takeaways from the Redskins week 7 loss.
Run, Run, Run
Callahan said this was going to be a run-first offense, and he is holding true to that statement. Outside of a shovel pass on third down, the Redskins ran the ball every play on their first drive. This game plan had a lot to do with the weather. It is incredibly challenging to throw the ball when it’s raining that much.
They found success running in their first drive, getting near the red zone. Hopkins then missed a 39-yard field goal. The Redskins ended the game only having 12 pass attempts while rushing the ball 26 times.
I expect them to pass the ball much more Thursday night against the Vikings since the weather will not be a factor. Another thing to look for with this running game next week is Peterson’s return to Minnesota.
Offensive Line Struggles Again
In the first few weeks, the offensive line exceeded all expectations. Since then, they have shown their true colors. Three sacks do not sound like a lot, but when you only call around 15 passing plays, that is a poor performance.
At one point, Morgan Moses forgot the snap count and sat in his stance while his guy ran past him and sacked Keenum. Brandon Scherff had two holding penalties while giving up a sack. The 49ers defensive front is a handful, but they must play better if they want to win another game.
They will again have to play a difficult defensive front next week against the Vikings
Offensive Play Calls Need to Improve
Many fans had high hopes when Kevin O’Connell took over the play-calling responsibilities. However, through two games, the offense has not been impressive. I didn’t have high expectations this week since they were playing a top-five defense.
Last week they struggled at times to move the ball against a Miami defense that gets ripped to shreds every game. Having two straight games with offensive struggles is not a good look for O’Connell.
The talent is lacking for the Redskins offensively, but a good coordinator finds ways to score with what they have. The only creative plays I have seen is the runs with Steven Sims. Those can be effective, but when you run them 3-4 times a game, teams will begin to catch on.
