NFL
Washington Redskins vs Indianapolis Colts Recap
The NFL is truly a week-to-week league. It’s one of those boring and overused clichés but it’s true. After soundly defeating the Arizona Cardinals 24-6 in week one, the Redskins were thoroughly defeated by the Indianapolis Colts 21-9. Indy quickly jumped out to a 7-0 lead after marching down the field on their opening drive.
Quarterback Andrew Luck connected with tight end Eric Ebron on a seven-yard touchdown. Ebron was able to get leverage on safety Montae Nicholson and use his size to snag the catch. After the Redskins cut the lead to 7-3 in the second quarter, Colts running back Nyeim Hines scored his first career touchdown on an eight-yard run.
Defensively, Washington did its part by allowing only 21 points, 281 total yards and two interceptions by safety D.J. Swearinger. Sure they allowed three touchdown drives of at least 75 yards, but the defense played well enough for the Redskins to win yesterday. Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t generate much of a rhythm.
Running Game Shut Down
After running for nearly 200 rushing yards a week ago against Arizona, the Redskins gained a measly 65 rushing yards. The Colts defensive line was able to dominate the line of scrimmage with a ton of stunts up front. As a result, Colts linebackers were able to roam free to ball carriers. Adrian Peterson looked like a 33-year old running back with 11 carries for 20 yards.
Redskins Receivers Once Again Held In Check
Running back Chris Thompson lead the team with 13 catches on 92 yards. However, nearly all of those receptions were short passes. Outside threats Paul Richardson and Josh Doctson combined for eight receptions on 100 yards. Slot receiver Jamison Crowder was a complete non-factor in the passing game with two catches for eight yards. With injuries mounting up at the position the team signed former first-round picks Breshad Perriman and Malcolm Floyd. Perriman has had his struggles with injuries and has been wildly inconsistent during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. Floyd is more accomplished than Perriman, but has had his fair share of personal issues. After missing out on Josh Gordon, the Redskins are now hoping the both Perriman and Floyd can revive their careers in the nation’s capital.
No Such Thing As A Home Field Advantage At FedEx Field
Since the Redskins started playing home games at FedEx Field in 1998, they’re 84-84-1. Despite the mediocrity, they’ve been able to sell out every home opener until this past Sunday. There were thousands of empty seats throughout the stadium. Fans are simply fed up with the subpar teams and the years of losing. As soon as fans try to get excited about the team, the franchise performs at a poor level like how they did on Sunday. Unfortunately, things don’t get any easy next week for the Redskins as they play host to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
Photo credit to Keith Allison via Flickr
