Notes: Washington Redskins Fall To Philadelphia Eagles 37-34

What a game. The Washington Redskins (1-2) lost to the Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) 37-34 in what was a crazy game from start to finish. This game was loaded with just about everything you can imagine. It had tons of injuries (one that could end DeAngelo Hall‘s season), a bunch of penalties, big plays, self-inflicted mishaps, bad calls and one very large, dramatic melee that resulted in ejections. However, at the end of the day, Washington lost a game they had a chance to win despite the fact they’ve suffered a number of injuries.

The Good:

QB Kirk Cousins completed 30 of 48 passes for 427 yards, 3 TDs and a interception. He made some outstanding passes in this game. One thing I’ve noticed about Cousins is how good he is at anticipating routes. He does a nice job getting the ball out his hands and throwing to a spot. Cousins continues to show how much of an undercover gunslinger he is. For the most part, the word “gunslinger” was used in a positive manner Sunday against the Eagles. Cousins had an excellent throw towards the sideline to Garcon — giving him an opportunity to make a highlight catch. He also showed his underrated arm strength on a wheel route to TE Niles Paul and a long 81-yard bomb to DeSean Jackson. Cousins did sail a few balls and had an interception late in the 4th quarter. However, for the most part, Cousins was efficient. (Sidenote) — for the first time, I think we received a sense of just how long Robert Griffin III will be out. After the game, HC Jay Gruden said, “I think this team will rally around Kirk for the next six to seven weeks.” That sets the team up for a major decision most likely after their week 10 bye after their first game in November.

WR DeSean Jackson looked good in his return to Lincoln Financial Field. He had a nice 81-yard touchdown that helped spark the team. Jackson ended his day with five catches, 117 yards and a TD. Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts also made several great plays. Garcon had a couple highlight reel catches and completed his day with 138 yards and a TD. Roberts had several key third down receptions. He’s a guy who you can depend on to consistently do his job.

DL Chris Baker was ejected for hitting QB Nick Foles after the whistle which triggered the huge fight. However, Baker did an excellent job against the run and creating some push up the middle on passing downs. He’s really become a quality player for this team. Baker has done a nice job filling in at nose tackle for the injured Barry Cofield.

Pro Bowl LT Trent Williams was a stone wall in this game.

Really liked what I saw from rookie CB Bashaud Breeland. He had a couple mishaps, but did a nice job for the most part in coverage. He had a near-interception that he should have caught. But he forced a fumble early in the game. He also tackled well and did a nice job filling in for the injured DeAngelo Hall — who is likely done for the season with an Achilles-tear.

The Bad:

Brandon Meriweather returned from his two game suspension and didn’t play well at all. He missed a tackle on the kickoff unit that resulted in a Eagles touchdown. He also had a penalty on the kickoff unit and was responsible for a touchdown on defense.

Speaking of being responsible for touchdowns, LB Perry Riley was beat in coverage twice in the redzone on the same seam route play by Jordan Matthews. The defense as a whole struggled against the seam route in four receiver sets. But Riley’s lack of coverage skills in redzone cost the team 14 points.

The Redskins had 10 penalties that accounted for 131 yards. That’s completely unacceptable and its the second straight week they’ve had double digit penalties.

Kai Forbath extended his streak to 18 consecutive field goals early in this game prior to missing a key 33 yarder. As a kicker, you have to be clutch. Forbath wasn’t that for the Washington Redskins Sunday.

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