Redskins Vs. Rams - Studs and Duds

The Redskins made the trip out west, and came away with a much needed win Sunday afternoon against an up-and-coming Rams team. Led by a ground attack that produced 229 rushing yards on the afternoon, the Redskins could seem to do no wrong in the first half of the game. The Rams were able to shut the rushing attack down in the second half, which then opened things up for Cousins and the passing attack.

A win on the road was a blessing for this team, and now the Redskins have some much needed momentum heading into their week three matchup against the Raiders next Sunday night in prime time.

Below are my Studs and Duds of the game.

Studs:

The Offensive Line(and Coach Bill Callahan): The same unit that ranked as a collective Dud last weak turned it around in a big way on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles. Williams, Lauvao, Long, Scherff and Moses did a great job against a stout Rams defense, paving the way for 229 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the day. Credit goes to coach Bill Callahan for implementing a power rushing attack with his unit; one that certainly fits their style of play much better.

Chris Thompson: Thompson did have a few mistakes in the game (the dropped pass out of the backfield that may have went for six was one of them), but overall, the diminutive back has been outstanding in his first two games this season. Thompson had three rushes for 77 yards and two touchdowns, and caught three passes for 29 yards on the day. He's been the Redskins best offensive weapon so far this season.

Rob Kelley/Samaje Perine: The duo of Kelley and Perine combined for 145 yards on the afternoon. Kelley was impressive early on, taking advantage of huge running lanes, while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He had to leave the game with a rib injury. When Perine took over, Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips had made some adjustments, but Perine still ran hard, and picked up nice chunks of yards when his number was called.

Ryan Grant:  Grant went from the "Invisible Man" to "The Man" in just one play. He hauled in a Kirk Cousins pass for a touchdown to give the Redskins a seven point lead late in the game. That was Grant's only catch of the day, but it was a big one.

Preston Smith/Ryan Kerrigan:  The pass rushing duo each recorded a sack on the afternoon. Smith was in the opposing backfield often, disrupting the rhythm of Jared Goff. He also had a nice tackle for a loss on a jet sweep. Kerrigan's strip-sack was textbook!

Zach Brown:  Brown again led the defense in tackles, recording 10 on the afternoon, and played sideline to sideline in support. He's a machine out there.

Mason Foster:  Any man who dislocates their shoulder and comes back into the game to play is a STUD! Not only did Foster come back to play, but he recorded the came-clinching interception in the final minutes. Now, his coverage on the afternoon was a bit lacking, but overall his play deserves to land him on this list.

Josh Norman:  Norman was outstanding yet again Sunday afternoon. His coverage was tight, and his tackling was outstanding. He had two forced fumbles, one of which was recovered by Terrelle McClain. He had 6 tackles, and a few passes defended on the day.

Jay Gruden:  The man called a pretty damn good game!

Duds:

Bashaud Breeland:  Overall, Breeland's play wasn't horrible, but when you get posterized TWICE in the same game when Todd Gurley leaps over you, you're going to land on the Dud list.

Terrelle Pryor:  Another game, another drop for Pryor. Pryor caught just two passes on the day, and pulled a disappearing act for most of the game.

Dustin Hopkins:  Hopkins missed a 51 yard field goal that set up pretty easy for him. Luckily, it didn't cost the Redskins the game, but those three points could have come in handy down the stretch.