PHILADELPHIA -- A few thoughts on the Washington Redskins' 37-34 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles:
What it means: They’re about who we thought: a team that has offensive fireworks but remains a work in progress. The Redskins still give up big plays on defense and on special teams, and even though they did a good job against running back LeSean McCoy, they could not generate enough pressure to prevent a big day from quarterback Nick Foles. This was not a bad loss for Washington considering few would have picked the Redskins to win. It could have been a huge win instead, but they continue to make too many mistakes to win games like this. Sunday also cemented the idea that the coaches feel confident with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, but the team gave up a touchdown on special teams and missed a 33-yard field goal. You can’t keep giving up points by this unit and expect to win games. The Redskins invested a lot more on special teams in the offseason; it needs to start paying dividends.
Stock Watch: Special teams is way down. Again, this group allowed too many points and missed too many others. The Eagles' kick return for a touchdown came right after the Redskins had taken a 7-0 lead; a huge hole followed. Kai Forbath later missed a 33-yard field goal attempt on another brutal day, which seems too much like, oh, a few years. But the run defense was up. The Redskins bottled up McCoy, who managed just 22 yards on 20 carries. Very few yards after contact and few defenders missing tackle attempts. They forced him back inside to where they had help and more bodies.
More injuries: Corner DeAngelo Hall left the game in the second half after hurting his Achilles tendon. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury, but that type of injury can be brutal. Right guard Shawn Lauvao also had to leave with a right knee injury. The Redskins already were banged up entering this game, so they did not need to have their depth tested even more. But that’s two straight weeks where they’ve dealt with injuries during the game. They felt good about their depth entering the season, but it’s being tested way too often way too early.
Game ball: Cousins. Yes, he threw an interception late in the game that led to an Eagles touchdown. And he misfired on his last three passes with the Redskins on the Eagles’ 41-yard line. But for the most part, Cousins did more than what the Redskins expected in making this a close game. He threw for 427 yards and three touchdowns and, for the most part, kept the offense in rhythm with on-time throws. He connected with receiver DeSean Jackson for an 81-yard touchdown, hitting the speedy wideout in stride. The Redskins’ offense will be OK.
What's next: The banged-up Redskins host the New York Giants on Thursday night. Before this game, and the injuries, that looked like a game they should win. Now? Washington still should be favored, but it will be a lot tougher.
