When the Washington Redskins traveled to Detroit to take on the Detroit Lions in week 7, they were riding a four-game winning streak. They were looking to make it 5 in a row against one of the worst defenses in the league. Sounds like a simple plan. Not! Here are three immediate reactions after the loss.
Self-inflicted wounds
The Washington Redskins began the day some very good football. They had not committed dumb penalties or costly turnovers during the 4-game win streak. Today that was completely different. Matt Jones fumbled the ball twice. Cousins tried to complete a hand-off falling, and several penalties killed potential scoring drives. When you are playing a team that is already bad on defense, you cannot cost yourself opportunities. This game, with those drives, should have been a Redskins blowout win.
Injuries for defensive change
Injuries to the Washington Redskins star corner, Josh Norman, may have force Defensive Coordinator Joe Berry to change his game plan. In the first half, Lions WR Marvin Jones was non-existent. Yes, he caught the long ball on the play in which Norman was hurt. However, Norman usually recovers after a big play. Jones was a key, as was the rest of the Lions WRs in the second half. The Redskins seemed to have no answer. The lack of pass rush, which had been coming on strong over the past four games, didn’t help either. If Norman cannot return against Cincinnati next week, AJ Green could be a tough cover for the Redskins secondary.
Kirk Cousins deserves a long-term contract
If not for the accuracy and decision making of Kirk Cousins, the Washington Redskins may not have had a chance in this game. He was 39/39 for 301 yards, 1 TD, and no INTs on the day. He has such great accuracy and depends so much on his teammates to be in the right spots. His rapport with players like Jamison Crowder and Vernon Davis is impressive. He has been exceptional on this streak. Today was not much different. The belly fake on the zone-read for the go-ahead TD was incredible. He held that fake just a bit longer than normal to get the defensive end to commit. After a slow start top, the season is showing that he can truly be a franchise QB for this team. There needs to be a focus on him after the season is complete.
The Washington Redskins are now 4-3 and sitting in 3rd place in the division. Next week they play in London against the Cincinnati Bengals. This is a winnable game. However, they will need to step up on defense and correct the issues that plagued them today. To be 5-3 at the break will still keep this team well in the race with plenty of winnable games afterward. ALWAYS HTTR!!!