Redskins Vs. Saints - Studs and Duds

This loss was an absolute heartbreaker for the Redskins and their fans. Up 15 points on the road late in the fourth quarter against one of the best teams in the NFL; most felt this game was all but over... then came the epic defensive collapse, that saw Drew Brees go 11 for 11 for 164 yards, two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion in just under four minutes.

Chalk up yet another loss for the 2017 Redskins!

Despite the horrific loss, there were many positives the team can take from this game. The Redskins playoff chances are slowly slipping away, but building blocks are being laid for the future of this organization.

Below are my Studs and Duds of the game.

Studs:

Kirk Cousins - Kirk was nearly flawless on the afternoon, making some unbelievable throws and showing his toughness and willingness to sacrifice his body on a few runs. He went 22 for 32, for 322 yards and three touchdowns. He was called for intentional grounding late in the game on a play where the NFL actually admitted to the Redskins front office that they blew the call. In my opinion, this was one of the best games I’ve ever seen him play.

Samaje Perine - Starting for the injured Rob Kelley, the rookie carried 23 times for 117 yards and a touchdown. He also caught one pass for nine yards. His blocking was solid on the afternoon as well.

Josh Doctson - Doctson is starting to come into his own, and is building good rapport with Cousins. He had a beautiful catch-and-run on a quick screen for 21 yards, and an amazing 32 yard grab down the left sideline. He recorded four receptions for 81 yards (a team high), including a key reception for 13 yards on third down.

Jamison Crowder - Crowder actually hung on to his targets against the Saints, leading the team in receptions with seven, and tallying 72 yards.

Offensive line - The Redskins beaten and battered offensive line is beginning to get healthier. Aside from one play at the end of the game, this unit played very well on the day, paving the way for 156 rushing yards, and allowing just two sacks against a very good defense. It did hurt losing Lauvao, as Nsekhe was not good at left guard.

Bashaud Breeland - Breeland was a force recognizing quick screens and blowing them up. He was credited with three passes defended on the afternoon as well.

Jay Gruden - Gruden called a great offensive game on the road against one of the best teams in the NFL. The offense was balanced and efficient, and moved the ball with ease throughout the game. The team came out ready to play early on, and if not for a defensive meltdown in the final four minutes, this would have been a season-changing victory. I loved his fake punt call, and the fourth down pass Cousins threw to Davis for a big gain of 25 yards!

Duds:

Ziggy Hood - It’s unbelievable how much ground Hood gives up when he’s in the game. He might as well be playing on roller skates.

Stacy McGee - His false start penalty on a field goal attempt was huge. He did very little on the defensive line as well.

Martrell Spaight - I thought Spaight was slow, and off on his run fits, and he was a step late in coverage. I counted 3-4 missed tackles where he failed to break down and left his feet. He did make some nice plays, but I though his negatives outweighed his positives.

DeAngelo Hall - I absolutely love Hall for all he has done as a Redskin, but it’s very clear he just doesn’t have it anymore. He is getting absolutely abused in coverage, and is making those around him look worse. It’s time to call it a career. The play where he just left Hill in the endzone for an easy touchdown was inexcusable.

Josh Norman - For the amount of money we are paying Norman, he surly isn’t living up to the expectations. Norman looked sluggish and un-inspired on the afternoon. He did lead the team in tackles, but he also missed some key ones that should have been made. His coverage seems to be getting worse as the season progresses. He was abused by Ted Ginn Jr. during the game.

Joshua Holsey - Keep your feet off the damn goalline!

Greg Manusky - Manusky’s defense allowed 375 passing yards, and 160 on the ground. The epic melt-down in the 4th quarter cost this team the game! By the way, Ryan Kerrigan should NEVER be in coverage when the game in on the line!

Bruce Allen - Just because we need SOMEONE to blame for this ugly loss!