Redskins studs and duds in Week 7 loss to San Francisco
By Ian Cummings
Dud No. 3 – The passing attack
The failure of the Redskins passing attack in Week 7 was a group effort, highlighted by the hazardous passing conditions of the day. The heavy rain made it hard for the quarterbacks to grip the football, and it only reinforced Bill Callahan’s ideal running emphasis.
When the time came for the Redskins to pass, however, when they were down a score and in danger of losing proximity, they couldn’t pass the ball effectively. That proved to be the difference, as Jimmy Garoppolo flipped the switch late to give his team the momentum it needed.
Case Keenum couldn’t flip that same switch. Bill Callahan was observably hesitant to trust the passing game under the circumstances, and he only started passing until the Redskins were playing from behind. As mentioned earlier, Keenum was sacked on twenty percent of his drop backs, and at no point in his 77-yard performance did he appear comfortable.
The Redskins need better implementation of the passing game from Callahan (who’s obviously overseeing play calling, given the heavy emphasis on the run), and they need better execution from Keenum, or perhaps from a certain No. 15 overall pick who has yet to see the field. The offensive line is more or less holding its own in pass protection. It’s up to the passer and play caller to take advantage.