The Washington Redskins were victorious today over the Green Bay Packers in front of a wet and soggy, but nevertheless, boisterous crowd at FedEx Field.
The Redskins were looking for a win after a tough loss last week to the Indianapolis Colts. They got it today in a dominating first-half performance that ultimately led to the 31-17 win.
The Redskins were up 28-10 at halftime and capitalized on several Green Bay miscues in route to the victory.
With their record now sitting at 2-1 on the season, the Redskins will have a bye week to help heal injured and banged up players and also assess where they are as a team.
Here are four things we learned about the Burgundy and Gold in today’s win:
1. The Redskins win when they run the ball
There is no secret that the Redskins under coach Jay Gruden have always had a successful offense. The dilemma comes in when the team becomes one dimensional and gets away from the run. Gruden counting today has a record of 28-10-1 when his teams collectively rush for over 100 yards.
Today, veteran Adrian Peterson ran the ball with assertion and decisiveness. On the day he rushed for 120 yards on 19 carries to go along with two touchdowns.
The Redskins got back to the success they had in the run game that produced a balanced attack in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
The blueprint is there for them as they progress into the season.
2. WR Paul Richardson can be a deep ball weapon
When the Redskins signed speedy wider receiver Paul Richardson via free agency, the former Seattle Seahawk was expected to give the team a deep ball threat. Over the first two games, however, Richardson had only been targeted one time beyond 20 yards.
Today, the former Colorado product was target twice on deep balls in the first quarter alone. On each occasion, a favorable result happened for the Redskins. Richardson scored on a 46-yard deep ball on one and on the other, Green Bay was called on a pass interference of Richardson which set up the Redskins second touchdown.
Richardson could become the teams main deep ball target if his number is called more on those routes. His effectiveness on the deep ball will only help open things up in the middle of the field and also aid in the teams run game by backing away safeties.
3. Redskins young defensive front is coming alive
Today was the day where the Redskins saw the future of their front three along the defensive line wreaking havoc.
Second-year player, Jonathan Allen registered two sacks in his best outing of the year. The former Alabama star showed a burst around the edge and through the middle of the Packers offensive line in putting pressure on quarterback Aaron Rodgers for most of the day.
Jonathan Allen has had his best game of the season today. He has registered two sacks and a few hurries. #Redskins
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) September 23, 2018
Matt Ioannidis also registered a bullish sack as well. The third-year player from Temple has gotten much stronger over the years and today used that strength to take down Rogers in the second quarter.
Rookie Daron Payne showed flashes today as a disrupter in the middle of the Redskins defensive line. He produced a sack as well and lead all interior lineman with four solo tackles.
4. Play calling was more efficient but still not complete
As mentioned before, Gruden can coach a great offensive game, but at times he gets away from what is working more so than defenses adjusting.
Today, the Redskins were humming along in the first half to the tune of 28 points, but in the second half they bogged down offensively and got away from the things that worked for them.
If the Redskins can get a complete four quarters of sound play and offensive game calling from Gruden, they could become a dangerous team that could have a special season ahead of them.