Redskins vs Lions Notes: Defense

The defense played better in this one but really hurt themselves with missed tackles and penalties.

1. The defense really did make some plays and stopped the Lions on their first drive then got a pick 6 on the second.

2. Hall played with a lot of heart against the best receiver in the game in Calvin Johnson. To his credit Hall forced Johnson off his route on the interception play which threw off the timing and led to the pick. He also made a nice play on a pass that would have been a touchdown. But Johnson got the better of Hall and the rest of the Redskins defense often. Johnson seemed to make plays whenever the Lions really needed one.

Redskins vs Lions Notes:Offense

The Redskins are in big trouble at this point. They are now 0-3 and will have a tough time making the playoffs. I realize it is only 3 games out of 16 but the schedule is not an easy one. The first two losses were tough because of how awful the team looked as a whole but this one might have been harder because the Redskins lost this game more than the Lions won it. 

1. RGIII did look better. He made a lot of good throws including a completion to Garçon on the left sideline in the 2nd half. Griffin doesn't look as explosive as last year but did run the ball a few times and made some good plays out of the pocket. The offense as a whole was much more impressive and was able to move the ball for a lot of the game. I also really liked two pre snap reads that Griffin made on two third downs. However, his two turnovers were killers.

The Redskins 0-2 Start isn't as Bad as You Think

Yes, the Redskins have been absolutely embarrassing to watch so far this season and yes, this next game is very close to a must win game. However, it could be much worse and it really isn't as bad as it seems. I can almost promise you that the Redskins will turn this around. It may or may not happen this tomorrow against the Lions but It will happen.

First, lets talk about the two losses. Out of the two games the Redskins have played only one of them was really expected to be a win. The Eagles are not a great team and I think almost every Redskins fan and most others expected to win. But realistically expecting to win that game easily as many (including myself) expected was foolish. Then week 2 came along and the Redskins had to travel to Green Bay to play a Packers team that had just lost to the 49ers. There was absolutely no point last year where the Redskins would have been favored or even expected to go into Green Bay and pull off a win. In most people's predictions of how the Redskins season would go they had them losing to the Packers. Even most who predicted that the Redskins would repeat as NFC East champions didn't expect them to win that game. So, realistically the Redskins are only one game behind where they were expected to be. Throughout any NFL season teams win games they aren't expected to and lose games they should have won so this isn't anything new. Of course, the difference is the Redskins looked absolutely horrible in their two losses which is the real reason for the panic but looking at it from a record standpoint the Redskins aren't far behind their expected start.

What You Need to Know About the Lions

Overview: The Redskins head into the 3rd game of the season desperate for a win. Unfortunately, they face a Lions team that causes some serious matchup problems. Primarily the Lions have the best wide receiver in the game in Calvin Johnson. To make it worse Johnson has a talented quarterback throwing him the ball. Stafford may not be on the same level as Aaron Rodgers but he is very good and improved from a year ago. The Lions also have added Reggie Bush who has the ability to create big plays. On the defensive side of the ball the Lions have an impressive defensive line. A group that included Ndamukong Suh. The inside of the Lions DL will likely cause havoc for the Redskins interior offensive line that struggled against the Packers.

Has Jordan Reed Replaced Fred Davis?

It was clear going into the regular season that Jordan Reed had earned more playing time than I originally thought. He has consistently made tough catches that others on this team seem to drop. However, most assumed that Fred Davis was still the go to receiving threat at tight end. That no longer seems to be the case.

So far this season Davis has only been targeted 6 times for only 3 receptions and 25 yards. Reed on the other hand has had 9 targets, bringing in 8 of them for 56 yards and one touchdown. It's not just the production that is interesting it is also the kind of catches Reed is making. For example, on Reed's touchdown Griffin threw the ball well behind Reed but he was able to adjust and make a really nice catch with his hands away from his body. Davis on the other hand failed to make a catch on a 2nd down play that would have gone for a 1st down. Now, the ball to Davis wasn't a great one and would have been a difficult catch but those are the type of plays that need to be made when your quarterback is struggling. Another aspect that has been extremely impressive is Reed's ability to get open on broken plays. Reed has been aware of the necessity to improvise his route when Griffin leaves the pocket.

Redskins at Packers Notes

Let's be pretty frank here. There was not a lot of good in this game. The Redskins struggled from the beginning and unlike in the Eagles game there wasn't any real threat of a comeback. At this point the Redskins defense looks like a doormat and the Redskins offense looked closer to the Jaguars than what we have come to expect from the Skins offense. This team is in trouble. Yes, it has only been two games but the play has been so bad that I seriously feel as though the team has disrespected the uniform and the fans. There is not some quick fix and, while some issues will hopefully work themselves out and time and the season is not over, this is a team with problems in every aspect of the game.

What You Need to Know About the Packers

Overview: Sunday at 1pm EST the Redskins will face off against what many believe to be a powerhouse franchise in the Green Bay Packers. Fortunately for the Skins the Packers game pretty much relies on one player, Aaron Rodgers. The rest of the team has talent especially in Clay Matthews but their best corner is injured and won't play, their starting free safety is coming off an injury and their best offensive lineman is also injured and out for a while. Unfortunately for the Redskins Aaron Rodgers is widely considered the best QB in the game and has a plethora of weapons with Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finely, Randell Cobb, and others. Overall, this is Packers team with an explosive offense but a defense struggling with injuries and backend talent.