Redskins Vs. Eagles Week 15 - Studs and Duds

Interim head coach Bill Callahan finally took the reigns off quarterback Dwayne Haskins and the rookie responded in a big way in what was a very entertaining home game against the division rival Eagles on Sunday.

Although the Redskins came out on the losing end, and the final score may have looked a bit more lopsided that the game really was, there were a ton of positives to reflect on; especially the way a lot of the young guys stepped up.

Below are my Studs and Duds of the game, followed by some notes.

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Studs:

Dwayne Haskins Jr. - Haskins had his best came as a pro Sunday afternoon against the Eagles, and for the first time in his six starts, it looked like Callahan and O’Connell took the reigns off the rookie and just let him go out and play. There were no lingering effects of the ankle injury he suffered the week before, as Dwayne showed both his ability to move within the pocket, and take off running when he needed to(he had 26 rushing yards). He threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns(despite 4 drops by his receivers that could have added quite a bit more), but it was the accuracy, decisiveness and general ball placement on tight-window throws that were impressive.

Terry McLaurin - McLaurin again finds himself on the Studs list, and it’s his second time landing here against the Eagles this season. He hauled in five passes for 130 yards and a touchdown Sunday. In two games versus the Eagles this season, he’s collected 10 receptions for 255 yards and two touchdowns. This kid is special!

Ereck Flowers - Flowers may have struggled at offensive tackle, but he’s a human wrecking ball on the interior. He and his linemates helped keep Dwayne Haskins clean on the afternoon, and he was a mauler in the run game - which he has been all season. What a VERY pleasant surprise this young man has turned out to be.

Ryan Anderson - I have been hard on Anderson since he was drafted in the second round in 2017. Now in his third season, he seems to be putting things together. He had his best overall game as a pro against the Eagles Sunday, recording five tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss two quarterback hits and three forced fumbles while playing a season high 83% of the Skins defensive snaps. He now has four sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on the season in mostly reserve duty.

Jonathan Allen - Allen quietly had a very good game, recording nine tackles, two for a loss and a fumble recovery. He was second only to Danny Johnson in total tackles on the afternoon.

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Duds:

Daron Payne - Payne was neutralized by the Eagles interior offensive line, and as a result, recorded zero stats for the first time in his career despite playing 68% of the team’s snaps. He got called for roughing the passer on Wentz, but I didn’t think that was a very good call by the refs. Regardless, it was 15 extra yards for the Eagles.

Montez Sweat - Sweat regressed a bit against the Eagles after a solid stretch of six games where he was playing very well. He had just three tackles, no quarterback hits, and was not particularly good against the run(which has been his strong suit).

Landon Collins - Collins had a rough day in coverage, and uncharacteristically missed some tackles on the afternoon. I’d say it was his worst outing of the season.

Montae Nicholson - I keep hoping that things just click for Montae Nicholson, but they never quite do. Despite playing all 77 defensive snaps against the Eagles, Nicholson didn’t record a pass defended, and had a bone-headed play early in the game on an overthrown pass to Ertz that resulted in a 15 yard personal foul penalty.

Josh Norman - Even in reserve duty...he sucks! I don’t think anyone was surprised when he gave up the winning touchdown.

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Notes:

- Danny Johnson played pretty well, leading the team in tackles with 10.

- Steven Sims Jr. had some really nice plays on the afternoon, including his beautiful grab in the back of the endzone, but he also had three drops, and went sideways on a play he could have picked up a pretty easy first down. We’ll chalk these up as “learning moments” for the rookie.

- Wes Martin was a mixed-bag filling in for the injured Brandon Scherff at right guard. He had some nice plays, but also some head-scratchers. He’s pro still a full off-season away from being a reliable starter(if needed), but I do like his potential.