Redskins Beat Steelers 24-13, Injuries A Concern

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) is tended to by the training staff after suffering an apparent foot injury during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday Night with one of the better performances by the team this season. Unfortunately that performance also brought bad news with injuries.

Kirk Cousins who will back up Robert Griffin III this season, or even possibly start before him if the rumors of Dr. Andrews telling the Redskins NOT to play Robert Griffin III before Week 6 are true. If Cousins is not healthy by then, and Griffin is unable to play, Rex Grossman would ideally be the starter, which is the last thing Redskins fans want to see.

Nose Tackle Barry Cofield broke his hand, which is a major concern as last week the Redskins saw how poor their run defense was without him on the field. Cofield has been ranked as one of the better nose tackles in the league since joining the Redskins, and losing him for any amount of time would be a big blow to the defense.

Aldrick Robinson also limped off the field after his big catch just before halftime to set the Redskins up for a field goal. Though having a noticeable limp getting to the sidelines, he’s expected to be okay.

Compared to the injuries the Steelers sustained, the Redskins might have gotten off lucky in that department, but some issues still occurred.

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Derek Moye (14) scores a touchdown as Washington Redskins cornerback Richard Crawford (20) defends in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The major one would be the poor tackling, which again allowed defenders to gain extra yards and pick up first downs. If the Redskins continue to fail at wrapping up players, they could be in for a long season defensively as offenses will continue to gain extra yards, not only extending drives, but keeping them on the field longer.

Baccari Rambo was entirely different than his first game against Tennessee. He didn’t take one single penalty, and even forced a fumble which was recovered by the Redskins.

Ryan Kerrigan might have stole the show though, as he again tricks quarterbacks into thinking they can dump the ball off to their running back, only to find Ryan Kerrigan intercepting the ball and taking it back for a touchdown. He also contributed to a forced fumble as well.

Rookie David Amerson again looked good, though he did have a few miss tackles, and Chase Minnifield continues to prove why he should make the 53-man roster. Making the cornerback position one of the major battles to watch throughout the rest of preseason.

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (85) makes a touchdown reception as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) defends during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Offensively Keiland Williams might have opened eyes as he looked like a completely different man from 2010. He was able to run between the tackles effectively, and gain yards when it appeared he had nowhere to go.

While Chris Thompson and Jawan Jaimson were given limited snaps, they both made the best of them both attributing to over 20 total yards.

Roy Helu however was able to bring in a 30-yard touchdown run, though it probably would have made his case better had it happened in the first five minutes of the game, rather than the last five minutes.

Leonard Hankerson appeared to be back to his normal self of dropping catches, but made up for it with one night deep pass over the middle, followed by a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch from Rex Grossman.

Hankerson is still inconsistent, but appears to be slowly coming around to what the Redskins have expected.

While Pat White looked better in the pocket Monday Night, he still didn’t look good. His inability to feel pocket pressure, as well as to step up into the pocket, will ultimately be the reason he doesn’t make the roster.

Skye Dawson might have made a case for Shanahan as to why he belongs on the team, as each of his punt returns were nearly taken to the house, had it not been for his own teammates getting in his way. He’s quicker than Richard Crawford, who took over last season for Brandon Banks, but has the vision of Alfred Morris.

Overall the Redskins put together a better game than they did in Tennessee, but tackling still continues to be the main issue for the Washington Redskins.