Redskins studs and duds from Week 15 loss to Philadelphia
By Ian Cummings
Dud No. 2 – The Redskins third-down defense
The Redskins have a peculiar affliction; when the team is experiencing success on one side of the ball, it is almost a necessity that the other unit disappoints.
Such has been the case for much of the season, as the defense has at least been average to above-average at times, while the offense has underwhelmed week in and week out. This week, the roles were flipped; the Redskins offense was superb, while the Redskins defense failed to step up when needed.
Particularly on third down, the Redskins were at their most self-destructive. The Eagles converted 11 of 16 third-down attempts, and in the fourth quarter, the Redskins were one third and long stop away from being able to potentially ice the game and leave with a victory. But a draw play by the Eagles caught Washington’s defense off guard, and that play sparked a touchdown drive.
As mentioned in the earlier slide about miscommunication in the secondary, the blame goes around for this. The players need better awareness, cohesiveness, and overall coaching. Greg Manusky needs to put them in the best position to succeed situationally, and the coaches can better prepare and develop the players.