Redskins Reality Checks: Team loses game, Alex Smith, but not hope

By Tim Payne | Nov 20, 2018

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins reacts as he is carted off the field after an injury in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans plays the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – Reality Is, Deshaun Watson is the first dual-threat quarterback the Redskins have faced this season.

Deshaun Watson averages almost 30 yards per game on the ground and is a threat to crack off a 20 yard run on every play.

I was curious to see if the Redskins had a plan to contain him and force him to throw in timing from the pocket, rather than allowing him to extend plays. I predicted Watson would rush for more than his season average and would only be sacked three times. I also felt the Redskins would give up at least one significant “escape” to Watson after he appeared to be contained.

Reality Check: The Redskins contained Watson on the ground, only giving up seven rushing yards and sacking him three times. There were a few key scrambles, but really none you would call an “escape” when he looked to already be contained. The defense was up to this particular challenge.

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