The Redskins defecated the bed yet again on Monday Night Football, all but extinguishing any remaining playoff hope they had. For a team that controlled its own destiny coming into the game, they played with about as much heart, charisma and attitude as the Cleveland Browns, and that my actually be a slight against Cleveland!
I said after the bye that this team had a tough schedule remaining, despite having to play the reeling Cardinals and Panthers, and many fans shot back saying these teams were just not good. Well then, what does that make us?
Anyways, on to the studs and duds of the game.
Studs:
Desean Jackson - Despite a dropped pass earlier in the game, Jackson was about the only player on offense making any plays for the team. He finished the game with 7 catches for 111 yards.
Fat Rob - Kelly did not have good numbers on the ground, but he did score a rushing touchdown. Where he contributed was in the passing game, hauling in 4 receptions for 47 yards and showing the ability to make people miss in the open field.
Chris Baker - Baker continues to be one of the only defensive linemen to show up for games and play with some heart and emotion. If only we had three of him. Baker had 5 tackles, 2 for a loss, and a sack.
Bashaud Breeland - Breeland bounced back nicely from yet another rough stretch of the season to have a strong game defensively. He played very well in coverage, blanketing his man for most of the evening, and recording a tackle for a loss and three passes defended.
Duds:
Kirk Cousins - This was simply not Kirk's night. It happens, I get it, but when you're the leader of the team, fighting to make the playoffs, and you come out and lay an egg on national TV...well, that is just not acceptable.
The entire offensive line - People keep saying run the damn ball! Well first, you need to be able to block the damn defenders in front of you! The Redskins line clearly could not on Monday night. Lauvao may have been the worst of the group, but the others were not far behind.
Mason Foster/Martrell Spaight - Linebacker continues to be a problem no matter who is on the field for the Redskins. Sure Foster and Spaight may have racked up some tackles, but most of them were 5 yards downfield. The duo was absolutely abysmal is coverage, again showing their Achilles Heal to the rest of the league.
Preston Smith - This man has all but disappeared. I watched two plays in the first quarter where it looked like he wanted to be just about anywhere but on the field. He's been a huge disappointment this season, and looks in need of a big-time wake-up call!
Donte Whitner - Enough is enough already! When will the madness at safety ever end? I almost feel sorry for Whitner though. He was brought in as an off-the-street free agent who is out of football shape, and obviously not the player he once was. I blame this one on our GM!
Dustin Hopkins - Redskins fans are never allowed to have nice things, and this is apparently true with kickers too. He's either missing field goals or extra points. Pretty soon, he's going to be missing playing in the league.
Jordan Reed - Look, if you can't play, then don't! We all admire your toughness, but if your shoulder is that bad, then sit out..it wouldn't be the first time you've missed a game. Missing blocks, falling down on routes, then taking a swing at a defender and getting ejected isn't helping your team.
Scot McCloughan - Scot makes his debut on my "Duds" list, but trust me, this is long overdue. This is the result you expect to see when your "golden boy" general manager tries to put a band-aid on a gun shot wound. Ignore the defense again Scot, and you'll likely be back to running your own college scouting agency. Epic fail from a man who should have know better.
Jay Gruden - Wow Jay, you really had this team "prepared" in a game that had huge implications. Congratulations!