Redskins Halftime Takeaways: Case Keenum directs unforeseen offensive explosion

So… how ’bout that?

There’s still another half to go. But oddsmakers everywhere are now pondering the meaning of life, after the Washington Redskins rocketed out to a 20-7 lead in the first half of their 2019 regular season debut against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles, Super Bowl hopefuls in many corners, came in as ten-point favorites against the Redskins, who were viewed as lowly bottom-feeders coming to judgement sixteen weeks early. But there’s no judgement today for Washington. Instead, it seems as though they may have been misjudged. They put together the best opening half of any season under Jay Gruden, and now, they’re halfway to an opening day win against the Eagles.

The defense was as advertised, with fast play and solid tackling all around. Cole Holcomb stood out as an impressive starter, and Daron Payne, Jimmy Moreland, Quinton Dunbar, and Montae Nicholson all made crucial plays. But the surprise of the day, so far, has been the Redskins offense. Case Keenum deserves recognition for the job he’s done so far, completing 16 of 22 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. But he’s had plenty of unexpected help.

The offensive line, a point of major concern in the preseason, essentially dominated in pass protection for much of the first two quarters, with both Donald Penn and Ereck Flowers performing admirably on the left side. Vernon Davis single-handedly fought his way to the team’s first passing touchdown, and Terry McLaurin was able to separate from Rasul Douglas with his 4.35 speed on the second score through the air (Told y’all to add him in fantasy). It was a very complete effort from the first-team offense, and Jay Gruden dialed up a great game plan to get up early, temporarily dispelling criticisms of his preparation.

Against all odds and expectations, the Redskins now carry a lead into the second half, and they have a chance to start out the season with a tone-setting win in NFC East play, against the playoff favorite Philadelphia Eagles, and convince the league to take them seriously. Is the offense’s success sustainable? Will the defense continue to put up a formidable effort? Stay with us. This one’s not over yet.