For the Washington Redskins, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
For all the changes that took place this offseason — new coaches, schemes, players, etc. — the team that lost to the Houston Texans 17-6 on NFL’s opening day looked too much like last year’s squad that went 3-13.
To wit:
- Robert Griffin III looked hesitant and unsure on most throws except for the single-read quick-hits. He had trouble finding secondary receivers and held the ball way too long, opening himself up for contact he doesn’t need to take.
- The offensive line did a decent enough run-blocking job, but remains porous on the pass protection. Notably, J.J. Watt had a field day, especially when he was matched up against Chris Chester or Tyler Polumbus. Trent Williams fairly owned Javedeon Clowney until the rookie left with a knee injury.
- The defensive front created very little pressure, allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to pick apart a still vulnerable secondary. Bacari Rambo still doesn’t know the defense and can’t tackle worth a lick.
- The special teams, in one word, were atrocious. Extra point blocked (by Watt, who never, ever takes a play off) and a punt blocked for a touchdown. Roy Helu, Jr., whiffed on his block assignment and the Texan defender almost had time to take the ball off the punter’s foot.
- Two fumbles lost inside the opponent’s 10-yard line. Griffin fell and tried to reach Alfred Morris (91 yards on just 14 carries) and the ball squirted loose (recovered by Watt). Niles Paul with a long catch-and-run but stripped from behind.
This was a very winnable game on the road against one of the other worst teams in the league and Washington shot themselves in the foot time and time again. The biggest problem for new head coach Jay Gruden: today’s effort looked exactly like last season. An inauspicious debut, to be sure.
Dave Nichols is Editor-in-Chief and Washington Nationals and Capitals Page Editor for District Sports Page. He is credentialed to cover the Washington Nationals, Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards. Dave also works for Associated Press, covering college football and basketball and Major League Soccer out of its Spokane, WA college sports desk. Dave is a life-long D.C. sports fan and attended his first pro game in 1974 — the Caps’ second game in existence. You can follow Dave on Twitter @DaveNicholsDSP.