Week 4 : Redskins vs. Buccaneers

Well, I'm sitting here after this game thinking that I should be pretty happy. The Redskins won. They sit at 2-2 through 4 weeks of the NFL season with a rookie quarterback. On paper, it doesn't look half bad. But, jeez, it's pretty damn bad. This game leaves a bad taste in my mouth, even though it's technically a victory.

Keeping with the same format as my other posts, let's do positives. Like always, Robert Griffin III was stellar. A quick interesting stat that could predict the Redskins' future: In games where RG3 has thrown over 300 yards, the Redskins are 2-0 and in games where he has thrown under 300 yards, the Redskins are 0-2. This blatantly tells us that the passing game needs to be the main focus of this offense. Today, Griffin was 26 for 35 with 323 yards passing. He also rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown(almost two). So, looking at this game, we can see that Griffin is feeling more and more comfortable in the pocket as the games progress. Although there were no huge electrifying pass plays off the arm of RG3 today, all in all, he had another solid performance. If I was Kyle Shanahan, I would continue to trust Griffin to win games with his arm. Yes, the speed and legs help, but for the team's sake and for the future's sake, keep his feet on the ground.

The main positive in this game was no question Billy Cu-, I mean Alfred Morris. The man was unbelievable today. He has been having a great start to the season, but today was the day for him. Morris rushed for 113 yards on 21 carries and a TD. Morris' first career 100 yard game was highlighted by a 39 yard touchdown run in the 2nd Quarter. What most impressed me about Morris today was his toughness. There are plays were it takes 3 guys to get him down, or even just push him back. His speed  and quickness on top of his strength makes for one hell of a back that was clearly overlooked in this year's draft. Also, with the return of FB Darrell Young, the Redskins are looking awfully dangerous on short yardage situations and in the red zone. Young had a bunch of key receptions early in the game to keep drives moving on. The Redskins run game seems to be one of the few high points of the day. The greatest thing about today's ground game was how it opened up play-action passing for Griffin. According to ESPN.com, Griffin completed 8 of 10 play-action passes on first down for an average of 13.6 yards a play. This is a huge factor in breaking a defense, and it seems like it's working.

I really cannot think of anymore positives...on to the bad stuff.

I can't even express the frustration I have when I watch this defensive unit step onto the field. It's miserable. The injuries to the D-line are one thing. You can understand the lack of pressure to the quarterback, but the secondary is pathetic. I know this is turning into a weekly theme, but it's unavoidable. Deangelo Hall started the game off great with an interception and some key stops, but then it all returned back to normal. He was burned on two deep plays to Vincent Jackson. He cannot cover. He cannot tackle. He cannot do anything right. I am sorry but D-Hall, get the hell out of DC. I am so sick of the lack of discipline you play with and the ability you have on the field. I hope you enjoyed your run here, but it needs to end. Something needs to be done. A defense cannot have Josh Wilson as their best CB. And Reed Doughty as their best safety. No, it needs to end. Let's wake up here, Jim Haslett. Something ain't right.

And last but certainly not least, my man Billy. Mr. Billy Cundiff after starting the season 4 for 4, has missed 3 of his last 5 kicks. Mr. Clutch did end up delivering the game-winning field goal as time expired to make the score 24-22,  but there is no reason that they should have been in that situation at all. Cundiff missed 3 kicks today, two of them were completely shanked either right or left. No excuses for missing a field goal inside 40 yards. There needs to be a kicking change in DC, it's not going to get any better. This was not a fluke.

I guess I should be happy. We won, right? But, doesn't feel good. Things need to change. Going into a game against the undefeated Atlanta Falcons, I don't think momentum is on our side.

Hail.