Redskins Halftime Takeaways: Defense finds new life versus Detroit

The Redskins are legitimately competing for the first time in weeks. The competition has to be taken into account, but Washington is being opportunistic against the Lions.

A matchup between the 3-6-1 Detroit Lions and the 1-9 Washington Redskins was never going to draw much intrigue nationally, but for the Redskins, there’s still a purpose to this game action, even if the season is over. The reps go toward the development of younger players, and today, we’ve been witnessing some of that incremental growth.

It hasn’t necessarily come from who we expected. Dwayne Haskins was off for much of the first half. While he displayed good awareness and execution overall, culminating in a few nice plays, he often missed his receivers high, with his struggles peaking on an easy dump-off pass to Terry McLaurin, one that would have been a touchdown.

Haskins needs to continue to work on his comfort and mechanics. While Haskins has struggled overall, other young players have not. Steven Sims Jr. scored the game’s only touchdown on a stellar kickoff return. Kelvin Harmon showcased his talents on a one-handed grab. And Terry McLaurin has again resumed his role as the No. 1 receiver, leading the team in catches, targets, and yards.

The most growth, however, has been observed on defense, where a once anemic unit has given the Lions plenty of trouble. It helps that the Lions are without their starting center and their starting quarterback. But the Redskins defense has been opportunistic, making plays where they can be made. Fabian Moreau logged his first interception of the season on a deep boundary pass, Montae Nicholson forced and recovered a fumble, and Cole Holcomb notched an impressive sack, adding to his eight total tackles in the half.

The Redskins defense has rendered Detroit’s short-staffed offense inert, and while the offense is struggling to find its rhythm, the Lions don’t seem to be in a position to take advantage. As of now, in a futile game, the Redskins lead the Lions 13-6. Can they use this first half to earn their second win of the season in half No. 2? Stick with us. There’s thirty minutes to go.