Pittsburgh Steelers

Washington Redskins: What Went Right and Wrong vs. Steelers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Washington Redskins kicked off the season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, Jay Gruden’s club was a bit embarrassed.

On Monday night outside the nation’s capital, the Washington Redskins got a pair of early field goals and owned a 6-0 first-quarter lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Unfortunately for the defending NFC East champions, it was pretty much all downhill from there. The visitors from the Steel City won the final three quarters, 38-10, and Jay Gruden’s club was humbled by the Black and Gold, 38-16.

So what went right and what went wrong for the ‘Skins in the 22-point defeat? There wasn’t much to sheer about.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) makes a reception in front of Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Mike Mitchell (23) during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

What Went Right?

Burgundy and gold lining: Despite the fact that the Redskins lost decisively, there was a bright spot in the form of veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson. He was targeted 10 times by quarterback Kirk Cousins and hauled in six passes for 102 yards.

“I felt good,” said the big-play wideout to Jake Kring-Schreifels of Redskins.com after the 38-16 setback. “But I’m frustrated with the loss. It’s the first game of the season and I think we have a lot to build off of.”

That would be an understatement, especially on the defensive side of the football. But the receiver chose to focus on the positives and is already focusing on the rival Cowboys.

“It’s always good to start good and fast,” added Jackson. “I would’ve rather had a win, but that’s just something we can build off of. For next week we have Dallas at home, so we just have to redeem ourselves and win in front of our fans.”

One touchdown and 16 points probably won’t get it done against a lot of teams.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches a touchdown pass as Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) defends in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

What Went Wrong?

Pleading the fourth: It was both teams’ performance on fourth down that wound up being crucial. Pittsburgh’s aggressive play-calling proved fatal to Washington’s defense and three plays in the first half changed the momentum of the game.

On the Steelers’ first possession of the second quarter, a fourth-and-one on the Redskins’ 29-yard line resulted in a Ben Roethlisberger-to-Antonio Brown touchdown strike. On the ‘Skins ensuing possession, Washington came up one yard short on a fourth-and-six on Pittsburgh’s 38.

Mike Tomlin’s team took over with 6:19 to play before intermission and would eventually convert a fourth-and-one thanks to a toss from Roethlisberger to Eli Rogers that resulted in 19 yards. The drive would culminate in a second (and fortunate) touchdown and the Steelers owned a 14-6 lead at halftime that they would never relinquish.

Then again, the Redskins also had their issues on third down, converting on only three of their 10 opportunities. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh was an impressive 9-of-14 in this crucial area and Washington’s failure to keep its defense off the field was a decisive factor.

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker L.J. Fort (54) while throwing the ball in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Steelers won 38-16. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion

Jay Gruden’s club didn’t take advantage of its early opportunities when it spent its share of time in Steelers’ territory. The Redskins outgained their guests, 108-39, in the game’s first 15 minutes, but wound up settling for two field goals in the first quarter. Once Pittsburgh got its offensive footing, the defending NFC East champions never quite caught up.

The fact that the ground attack was limited to only 55 yards on a dozen carries (24 yards via running back Matt Jones) is problematic, especially when you consider the team ran the ball just seven times in the final three quarters.

All told, it was a pretty disappointing showing for the ‘Skins. The defense showed that it still has a ways to go, allowing 435 total yards and five offensive touchdowns. Washington hosts the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and a second home loss in seven days would put Gruden’s club in an early but significant hole.