Washington Redskins: 4 things we learned against the Cowboys

When the schedule was announced no one would have thought that week three would be a must win. However, after the loss in week two against the Dallas Cowboys that is now the case for the Washington Redskins. If they do not come out with some fire in week three this could become a long season in 2016. Here are some four immediate reactions.

Kirk Cousins is pressing

Cousins has not looked the same in the first two games of 2016 that he did in the latter part of 2015. To me, he seems to be pressing the issue and not letting the game flow to him. Yes, I think play calling is not helping him, but it is obvious that Cousins is not the same guy. He is forcing passes, throwing balls at the feet, and throwing from his back foot an awful lot through 2 games. With a trip to Met Life Stadium, a place that has not been kind to Redskins, Kirk Cousins needs to step his game up.

Still no dedication the to run

On Sunday, against the Cowboys, the Redskins only ran the ball 17 times. Although this is better than the 12 carries they had last week, it is still not a commitment. The Redskins offense is built off of play action. Play action can only be run if there is a dedication to the run game. It is not the quality of the run game but the quantity. The Washington Redskins need to run the ball. Kirk Cousins is one of the best play-action quarterbacks in the league. But without a dedication the run game, the play-action game will be hard to find.

Bashaud Breeland needs help or benched

When it comes to the pass coverage of the Washington Redskins, one thing is certain; Josh Norman has been on point for two weeks. But on the other side, Bashaud Breeland has not. If this continues,  teams are going to start targeting Breeland’s side. The Redskins need to either roll coverage or put Breeland on the bench. These issues have been seen before in the Redskins secondary. I thought 2016 would be different with the signing of Norman. Through 2 weeks that is not the case.

Week 3 is a must-win.

Although the performance was better in week two than in week 1, a loss is a loss. The Washington Redskins now face a must win in week 3. They have to go on the road for the first time in 2016; a trip to Met Life Stadium to face the New York Giants. This is a place that has not been all to nice to the Redskins in recent history. If the Redskins fall to 0-3 in 2016 and 0-2 in the division, it could be a long season.

With an issue in the secondary, a pass first mentality, and a QB who needs to relax some would say the Redskins are in trouble. I would say that trouble comes with a loss in week 3. We need to see better play calling, discipline, and fire in week 3. If we do not, there may be some call for change!