Redskins Vs. Eagles - Studs and Duds

Is it any coincidence that since Spencer Long took over at center for the Redskins, the running game has flourished, and sacks on Cousins have went down?...I think not. We all knew Kory Lichtensteiger relied on technique and smarts to make up for lack of size and skill. Now that the veteran has been placed on IR, Long has stepped in and looked great, and in turn, the running game has been outstanding as this unit is just starting to hit their stride.

Over the last three weeks, the Redskins have rushed for 335 yards and two touchdowns, and the offensive line has given up just 4 sacks. I feel there will be a lot of studs today!

Anyways, on to the fun.

Studs:

- The Redskins offensive line:  Trent Williams, Shawn Lauvao, Spencer Long, Brandon Scherff and Morgan Moses were outstanding today against a good Eagles defense. They paved the way for 230 yards on the ground, and allowed no sacks of Cousins. This unit is starting to gel, and it could become scary good.

- Matt Jones: Jones ran with patience, vision and power against the Eagles in route to 135 yards and a touchdown. His run at the end of the game to seal the win was huge!

- Pierre Garçon/Jamison Crowder:  Garçon and Crowder were big for Cousins today; especially with Jordan Reed out of the game with a concussion. The duo combined for 9 receptions, for 129 yards and a touchdown, and came up big when Cousins needed them the most.

- Ryan Kerrigan:  Kerrigan came to play today, and most definitely brought his A-game. He was disruptive the whole game, and ended up recording 2 1/2 sacks on rookie Carson Wentz. He also played solid against the run.

- Duke Ihenacho:  Nacho was very solid against the run today, making a few very nice stops at or near the line of scrimmage. He's a player...when healthy.

- Chris Baker:  Baker was his disruptive self against the Eagles, again doing the dirty work so others can be in the lime-light. He applied consistent pressure up the gut, and made some nice tackles against the run.

Redskins Coaching Staff:  They stuck with the run!

Duds:

- Vernon Davis:  Davis did have two big catches including a touchdown, but his celebration in the endzone probably resulted in the kickoff return for a touchdown. He also had a drop, a ball that probably should have been caught for another touchdown, and was called for a holding penalty.

- Ryan Grant:  Dropped an easy catch in the left flat that could have went for a first down, and continues to provide very little to the team either on offense or special teams.

- Redskins kickoff coverage team:  This may not have happened if it weren't for the Davis penalty on the touchdown, but still, regardless of the unsportsmanlike call, this unit still needs to do their job...and they didn't!