Three takeaways from Redskins loss to the Eagles in NFL Week 1

3. Case Keenum is excellent when well protected

During the preseason, Case Keenum was fine for the Redskins. He wasn’t anything special. He led 11 drives in the preseason and that netted them just 13 total points. He looked like a solid, veteran quarterback who was going to be able to do enough to keep the team afloat.

In the season opener though, Keenum was really good. He demonstrated excellent accuracy and great downfield ability while leading the team to a 20-7 halftime lead. In the second half, Keenum wasn’t quite as good. He was still able to make some throws and avoid mistakes, but he didn’t have as much time to make plays.

So we learned something about Keenum in this game. When he is well-protected, he can be a really good starting quarterback at the NFL level. When he isn’t, he isn’t bad but has a bit more trouble finding success.

Moving forward, the Redskins are going to have to sell out to protect Keenum. If they can do that, they will be in good shape. Obviously, the weak part of the offensive line is on the left side. Donald Penn and Ereck Flowers looked really good in the first half but did have some issues in the second. Perhaps keeping a guy like Jeremy Sprinkle in the game to chip on that side or even just assist as a blocker would do enough to buy Keenum the time he has to make some big plays.

Keenum’s Redskins debut was better than many were expecting. He really was one of the better performers — if not, the best — for the Redskins in this game. And if they can continue to keep him upright, they may have a chance to win some games against weaker competition.