Redskins Lose to Vikings: Postgame Notes for Washington

It was a first half full of promise and brilliant offensive execution. Then a second half full of crumble and missed opportunity. And that's how the Washington Redskins dropped a critical game to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night, 34-27. 

Here's my six-pack of notes on a very, very cold and bitter Friday morning after. 

1. RG3 and the Playmakers

Robert Griffin III had arguably his best game of the season. He was tough, he hung in the pocket, he made some great throws, and he was the most accurate we've seen him in a while. Kyle Shanahan's mission to incorporate screens also helped get Griffin into a rhythm, and play action was extremely effective to start the game. 

Alfred Morris, to no one's surprise, ran so hard and so tough, refusing to take a loss or go down on first contact. Anyone who says his success is system-based is wrong. This guy creates his own yards once a defender gets his hands on him. 

Pierre Garcon played unbelievable football for the second straight week. Kyle's push for the bubble screen worked to perfection, and Garcon was able to demonstrate why he's one of the best YAC receivers in the league. He runs angry, he plays with a chip, and he'll be a key piece to the Redskins' last hoorah. 

Jordan Reed—another usual suspect—continues to serve as one of Griffin's most reliable and trusted receivers. On Reed's touchdown catch, the chemistry between quarterback and tight end was awesome to watch. Griffin threw a hard pump fake, Reed read the linebacker's bite, and Griffin hung in the pocket and threw Reed into the end zone. That's the kind of connectivity you like to see between two young playmakers. 

Finally, Leonard Hankerson had his second quality game in as many weeks. Although quiet, Hankerson made some nice catches and even broke for a long gain on one reception. Hopefully this play continues, and the Redskins finally come away with a No. 2 receiver. 

2. Offensive Line

I'm not sure if it was served tranquilizer appetizers at halftime or what, but the offensive line crumbled in the final two quarters after looking close to dominant in the first half. 

Was it a surprise? Not really. But it would've felt different had the offensive line stunk it up all game. Instead we felt baited by how well it played in the first half—in both the run and pass—only to be let down in the second because it seemingly couldn't block a snail. 

The offensive line's inconsistency through four quarters may have been the most baffling question for the Redskins all night.  

3. Jim Haslett and the Defense

Although not an actual football man law, I think it's fair to wait for the coaches film to come out before we pick apart a defensive coordinator. But from what I saw on the telecast last night, the defensive play-calling from Jim Haslett was beyond questionable. 

It's no secret that this Redskins defense lacks some talent in certain areas. We all know that. But at some point, its ineffectiveness also falls on the coordinator for putting it in awkward spots to make a play. 

Why the cushion on non-threatening receivers? Why the announcement for your already-obvious blitz calls? Why is Perry Riley lined up one-on-one with a No. 2 receiver?

Again, tape will tell us more. But for now, Haslett should be in the doghouse. Guilty until proven innocent. 

4. Mental Errors

Big drops late in the game potentially cost the Redskins a win. Although Jordan Reed was held in the end zone (a clear missed call by the officials), you could make an argument that he still should've caught the ball. And then immediately following, Pierre Garcon lets one go right through his hands. 

But more than drops, bonehead mistakes like Darrel Young's 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty are frustrating beyond control. I know that's out of character for DY, so an accident here and there should be reasoned with. Problem is, this team isn't good enough to cushion the blow. It can't afford 15-yard penalties. 

And the same can be said for the drops. Without Garcon, who knows where this team is right now. And because he's so good, you'd love to be able to cut him some slack when he can't haul in a tough catch. But again, this team isn't good enough to soften the impact of missed opportunities. When a ball hits a guy in the hands, he has to catch it. 

5. Special Teams

The good: Niles Paul returning kicks. Yes, he's a tight end, but he's clearly the Redskins' best option. 

The bad: Pretty much everything else. I'd love to give the kickoff team some credit for keeping the ball away from Cordarrelle Patterson, but the putrid coverage on punts, especially in key spots, makes me forget the kickoff team even exists. 

Joshua Morgan, believe it or not, still isn't the answer at punt returner. Why we don't see Santana Moss back there is beyond me. 

People often write off special teams as if the unit doesn't play a significant part in games. But think of Sav Rocca's punts, and then think of the coverage. Then remind yourself of the field position given to the Vikings offense and how beneficial that was. 

6. Weekly Kyle Shanahan Rips

According to my extremely vague Twitter survey, this weekly Kyle Shanahan bashing is a real thing. But like last week, I don't rip Kyle Shanahan's play-calling against the Vikings. 

For whatever you want to argue, the Redskins offense was balanced through four quarters, and Kyle was brilliant in the first half when everything appeared to be clicking for the Redskins on offense. 

In the second half, including penalties and sacks, the Redskins ran 17 times and passed 20. Not much imbalance going on there either.

If you want to blame Kyle for passing the ball in the second half despite having a lead, feel free. But do you honestly trust Jim Haslett and the defense to keep the Vikings off the field? 

I'm not saying Kyle Shanahan is perfect every game. We can pick apart play selection 'til the cows come home. But he's not the reason the Redskins lost on Thursday night.