Deep down, somehow, though I would not speak it, I knew...
In my game preview, I mentioned that I even expected us down at the half if that Chip Kelly offense was moving the ball and keeping pace like predicted...and they certainly were, and then some.
I have my doubts that ANY NFL team can do that for 4 quarters a game, 16 games and year...the game is too physical in the NFL for that. I knew if we stayed physical, kept the score close, and had solid offensive drives, we would turn the corner in the second half. Unfortunately, it just didn't happen in time to win the game.
Griffin was rusty, and honestly, pretty awful at times in the first half, but settled down some towards the end of the game. I definitely expected some rust, but even I was over-reacting and calling for Cousins at the start of the 3rd Quarter. Most of Griffins off-target passes were behind receivers...which tells me it is a matter of getting into "game speed". Most of the guys he threw to were open (except the deep pick...he just got desperate to make a play).
Morris was Morris...ah....no fluke here guys...this guys is a workhorse.
Our WR group was fantastic. (Bowing) Fast, explosive out of cuts, attacking the ball, creating space, blocking...if you include Fred Davis and, I guess now, Jordan Reed, we have the best receiver group in the NFL...hands down.
Our Offensive Line settled down as well, but still has issues at RT, but besides that, I love the way the get out on the zone runs.
The Defense...well, what can you say...the first half was a wash, but honestly, given the circumstances, they did a pretty damn good job. I saw poor coverage on some plays...especially covering the TE. Hall lost his cool and attracted a penalty and took off a play that cost us a TD, but did get into the head of D-Jax, who seemed to disappear after that. Rambo showed much improved tackling. Biggers showed he can play some safety too. You just have to love Amerson's range and long arms...he almost got one.
Special teams were modest. Forbath missed a kick, Thompson made some questionable decisions on returns, and Sav Rocca showed he still has a decent leg on at least one kick.
All in all, by the end of the game I think most of us saw the Redskins we hoped to see from the start of the game. There were no major injuries or set backs.
I just wish Green Bay was not our next test...but, I think we can beat them, and doing so would re-energize this team, fans, and the media. Sometimes the best thing good team, who are looking for greatness, can do is lose a game. Adversity, often, leads to greatness.
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