National Football League

Washington Redskins Breakdown: Disappointing Loss Reveals Serious Flaws

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:50 p.m. ET

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Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden looks on against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins blew a late lead to the Dallas Cowboys, and dropped to 0-2 to start the young 2016 season.

The Washington Redskins were unable to pull off a home win in their second game of the season. They squandered a late lead and ended up falling to the Dallas Cowboys by a final score of 27-23.

The Redskins had many chances to win the game and put them out of reach, but the team constantly failed to do so. They simply made too many mistakes, and were ultimately heartbroken by the final Cowboys touchdown, which was run in by former Redskins star, Alfred Morris.

With all of that in mind, it is time to take a look at the most important things that happened in this week’s game. Here is a look at this week’s Redskins Breakdown.

Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at FedEx Field. The Dallas Cowboys won 27 – 23. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Passing Game: Kirk Cousins Is Still Off

The Redskins are really hoping that Kirk Cousins ends up being their franchise quarterback. After last season, it looked as though the veteran had a chance to become a highly productive starter for the team. However, through two games in 2016, something is still off about Cousins.

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While Cousins’ numbers have displayed that he is accurate, the fifth year quarterback has had trouble completing some very easy passes. During Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, this was on full display as his deep accuracy was nowhere to be found. Cousins had three passes on the day that really could have made an impact on the game. He misfired on two and was slightly off on another.

The first two were deep passes to Jamison Crowder and DeSean Jackson. Both players had gotten by the Dallas cornerbacks and appeared to be on their way to the end zone. In each circumstance, Cousins overthrew the receiver by a few yards. The pass to Crowder was the more egregious error, as it came early in the game and there was not a defender within five yards of him. It was about as open as a defender could get.

The pass that was slightly off came in the fourth quarter. Cousins threw a deep ball to rookie Josh Doctson, but this time he underthrew him a bit. Doctson was able to make the catch and go 57 yards. However, had Cousins hit Doctson is stride the receiver would have probably made it to the end zone for a touchdown. That could have prevented the horrible interception that Cousins threw just a few plays later.

Cousins needs to improve in the future, or he is going to be in trouble. He gambled on himself this offseason, and thus far, it does not appear to be paying off. He needs to bounce back in next week’s game against the New York Giants.

Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) tackles Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) during the second half at FedEx Field. The Dallas Cowboys won 27 – 23. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Passing Game: Well Balanced Attack Bodes Well For Redskins Future

The Redskins receiving corps played a very impressive game on Sunday. Although Cousins struggled, the receivers were able to get open against the Cowboys defense. They took advantage of matchups and really were able to make a major impact during the game. Ten different players ended up catching a pass during the contest.

The most notable receiver on the day was tight end Jordan Reed. Reed caught 5 passes for 70 yards and demonstrated great athleticism throughout the game. Reed used his jump ball ability to outjump opposing defenders for passes. On at least three occasions, he went up to grab a ball that only he was able to catch. He looks ready to have a terrific season, and he could end up being the top receiving option on the team.

Elsewhere, Crowder led the team in targets with eight and catches with six. He managed only 39 yards and a touchdown on those catches. He would have had a bigger day if Cousins had not overthrown him on a potential touchdown. It looks like he is becoming one of Cousins’ favorite receivers to throw to coming out of the slot.

Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) dives into the end zone to score a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys safety Barry Church (42) defends in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Running Game: Matt Jones Impresses Against Weaker Defense

The run game for the Redskins was virtually non-existent in the first game of the season. In the second game, it was significantly better. Part of this came as a result of Matt Jones’ improved play.

Jones was very strong during the game. He carried the ball 13 times for 61 yards and had a touchdown run. The touchdown was an impressive 14 yard burst that saw him use speed and power to get to the edge and beat the Cowboys defenders. Jones looks like he is ready to be a starter, and he has the potential to get better.

However, Jones still has to be classified as inconsistent. The second year runner was facing a very easy matchup this week against the Dallas front seven. Dallas had three starters suspended, so they were not very well equipped to stop the run. If they had those starters playing, then it is fair to wonder if Jones would have had as much success. While this game is a positive for now, the team has to see how Jones will fare against stronger run defenses. His next chance to go up against a tough one will be in Week 3 against the Giants.

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Doug Free (68) and Washington Redskins outside linebacker Trent Murphy (93) during the game at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Defense: Trent Murphy Makes Huge Impact

Trent Murphy was supposed to be an impact player at rush linebacker when the Redskins drafted him back in 2014. He was going to be a situational pass rush threat who was supposed to be a primary backup. Murphy has not turned out to be a prolific pass rusher, but he has been a do-it-all player at defensive end and linebacker. That ability was on display on Sunday.

Murphy looked great playing as a down lineman against Dallas’ elite offensive front. He ended up breaking into the backfield on many occasions, and he notched 1.5 sacks on the day. He was able to use strength to push back left tackle Tyron Smith and speed to beat him around the edge. Murphy wreaked havoc, totaling three hits on the quarterback, and proved that he might deserve a starting job on the defensive line.

It is definitely encouraging to see Murphy playing well in his third season. Perhaps he is poised for a breakout year. That would be good news for the Redskins, as they are looking for a third pass rushing threat to go with Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith.

Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Joe Barry looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Defense: Joe Barry Does Not Alter Scheme

In Week 1, Washington elected not to have Josh Norman move around the field. They wanted to have him stay on the left side of the field and keep that area locked down. As a result, Bashaud Breeland was exposed by Antonio Brown and was torched multiple times. It was widely assumed that defensive coordinator Joe Barry would change the scheme heading into the matchup against the Cowboys.

Well, he did not. Barry elected to keep Norman on the left side and he saw similar results in this game. While Breeland did not play as poorly on Dez Bryant, and at one point broke up a pass to Bryant in the end zone, he still was unable to limit the top receiver enough. Bryant caught 7 passes for 102 yards and did most of his damage against the No. 2 corner. Again, this is not an indictment on Breeland; Barry should have put Norman on the No. 1 receiver.

It baffles me that the Redskins did not make any adjustments until halftime. They knew that this was going to be an issue, and they have to use a better strategy heading into the next game. If they do not, then Odell Beckham Jr. is going to go off and have a huge day. The Redskins have the resources to stop the pass game. They just need to actually put a scheme into effect that will allow them to do that. If they cannot figure this out, then Joe Barry deserves to be fired.

Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Kedric Golston (64) attempts to tackle Buffalo Bills running back Reggie Bush (22) at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Final Notes: Kedric Golston Suffers Injury

On the second play of the game, the Redskins lost their starting nose tackle Kedric Golston to a hamstring injury. Golston was declared out shortly after and is scheduled to have an MRI this week. It seems as though Golston could miss time, as soft tissue injuries tend to linger, so the team will have to find a capable replacement.

Ziggy Hood will likely step into the starting nose tackle position, but the team could opt to add a rookie like Matt Ioannidis to the team or a veteran like Terrance Knighton to help their cause. Knighton was with Washington last year, but he did not play particularly well. Because of this, adding Ioannidis seems like the more likely solution.

Linebacker Preston Smith also suffered an ankle injury close to the end of the game. It will likely not be a big deal, as he was deemed questionable to return, so the Redskins should not worry too much about that. It is just something to keep an eye on.

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