Sunday Football Afterword: Redskins vs Lions

Calvin Johnson had a nice day in Washington, grabbing 7 receptions
for 115 yards and this touchdown.

Cory Puffett

Over 70 years of tradition gone. Of course, beating someone isn’t really a tradition, but it can feel that way when you’ve beaten a team at home 21 times in 21 tries, which is exactly what the Redskins had done against the Lions since the team moved to Washington in 1937.

We’ll have to settle for 21 victories in 22 attempts after the Lions ended that streak, the second longest steak of defeat on the road for the franchise, behind only their 22 straight losses in road games against Green Bay.

The Redskins had been outscored by more than 40 points in the first half of their first two games combined, but managed to go into the half trailing Detroit by only three points. In the process, Washington proved that it wasn’t their offense playing better as much as it was the Eagles’ and Packers’ defenses playing softer in the second halves of those games that allowed the Redskins to make the score look close.

Detroit kept the defensive pressure up in the second half and allowed just two field goals to the Redskins.

Washington defensive presence was much better in this game, but still not good enough as the offense is struggling to put points on the board. Through three games, the defense has allowed fewer points than through three games in 2012, but our offense was good enough to keep up last year.

On a brighter note, RGIII looked much healthier on Sunday. His footwork in the pocket was much better than it was in the first two games of the season, and he even ran with the ball on read options a few times. He doesn’t have the ability to cut explosively right now, but at least that should keep defenses from putting all of their focus on Alfred Morris on those plays. The improved footwork also showed in his passing as he completed 32 passes on 50 attempts, both career highs.

In a week division, led by Philadelphia one week and Dallas the next, 0-3 may not spell certain doom for the Redskins. Luckily they have what should be an easy game against Oakland next week, and then they get a week off to try and find a game plan that will work in Dallas.

Final Score:

Detroit Lions – 27

Washington Redskins – 20

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