Biggest Takeaways from Washington Redskins' Week 12 Win
The Washington Redskins were reminded of a few core home truths in Week 12. Revisiting those lessons keyed the 20-14 win over the New York Giants that put the Burgundy and Gold into a first-place tie in the NFC East.
Head coach Jay Gruden was reminded he still has a pretty reliable old workhorse in the backfield. He also treated his offense to a refresher course in the need for speed.
Defensively, coordinator Joe Barry's unit learned a strong pass rush is only ever the result of a collective effort up front. Fortunately, interior linemen and edge rushers, both young and old, delivered.
Those efforts harassed Washington's bogey team on both sides of the ball. Week 12 also provided the ideal formula for besting another division rival, hated enemy the Dallas Cowboys.
Find out the biggest takeaways from the Redskins' fifth win of the season.
Alfred Morris Is Still Mr. Dependable in the Backfield
1 of 5
This has been a tough year for Alfred Morris. He's dealt with the looming spectre of contract negotiations, rib injuries and a rookie tipped to take his job.
At times, the weight of it all has gotten to No. 46. He's often been too diffident when attacking defenses. But with the season on the line, 2012's sixth-round pick proved he can still be trusted to carry the load.
Gruden turned to Morris 23 times against the Giants. He responded with 78 tough yards on the ground. Sure, there were still a few runs where Morris was too patient waiting for his cutback lane to open. Yet, there were also several plays where he lowered his shoulder and pushed the pile for extra yards.
After rookie Matt Jones' fumbling issues, Morris protected the ball and produced steady gains to help earn points. D.C. Hot Read's Chris Russell described a few early and key examples:
"Alfred Morris had back-to-back carries of 8 and 6 yards in the first quarter, with the last being wiped out by a hold on Jordan Reed. On that same drive, Morris had gains of 5 and 8 yards. The drive was ultimately held back because of penalties, but also allowed the Redskins to take a 3-0 lead on a Dustin Hopkins field goal.
"
Crucially, Morris allowed the Redskins to control the clock. Washington bossed time of possession for 36 minutes, helping keep Giants quarterback Eli Manning on the sideline and force him into pass-first mode on the field.
Doing the same against the Tony Romo-less Cowboys will make life easier for a suddenly turnover-binging defense. It's the best way for Washington to reach .500.
Recommitment to the Running Game Proves Key
2 of 5
Gruden had to re-establish the ground attack after calling just 12 runs in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers. Fortunately, the usually pass-happy play-caller did exactly that to keep the Giants off balance.
While Morris led the way, Gruden also spread carries between the rest of his rushing rotation. But it wasn't just about sharing the wealth among Morris and Co. They were also helped by smart use of personnel and formations.
D.C. Hot Read's Russell detailed how X's and O's and mindset contributed to a run-first approach:
"Jay Gruden and the Redskins ran the ball 37 times for only 105 net yards and it was wonderful for those of us that understand the best way to get to what you do best is by running the football.
Today proved what I’ve been preaching all year. You don’t have to rip off four and five yards per attempt in order to be committed to it and successful overall.
The running game which featured a lot of jumbo looks with Tom Compton was big on a few occasions and individual plays.
"
Committing to the running game takes more than just saying it. Instead, it requires changes in design and temperament. Gruden and his staff managed both in Week 12. But they have to stick with the adjustments moving forward.
The Cowboys are middle of the pack against the run, surrendering 106.9 yards per game and 4.1 yards per attempt, according to Sporting Charts. Gruden must lean on a similar plan to exploit this weakness.
Morris has had some big games against Dallas, twice topping 100 yards against the old enemy as a rookie, according to the league's official site. It's time to turn the clock back.
Speed Becoming a Feature of the Offense
3 of 5
Not for the first time this season, the Redskins got a host of big plays from a platoon of speedy playmakers. Releasing quickness in space is fast becoming a defining feature of this offense. It's a major departure from recent seasons, when Washington's attack has been rather static.
DeSean Jackson got the ball rolling by doing the one thing he does really well, namely, burning defenses deep. New York's perennial tormentor wounded the Giants again when he hauled in a 63-yard touchdown catch.
Although No. 11 made only more grab for a mere three yards all day, it wasn't the end of Washington unleashing speed on the Giants. Jones showcased that quality when he took a screen pass 45 yards. Turning dumpoffs into field-stretching gains is becoming a forte for the team's third-round pick.
Chris Thompson and rookie wideout Jamison Crowder also displayed the value of quickness in close quarters and how it exposes vulnerable defenses.
Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay have a contingent of jet-heeled weapons and they are not afraid to use them.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Penalties Still a Concern
4 of 5
The game never should have been as close as six points. Washington had the Giants' number in every vital area. But the Redskins still nearly came unstuck because of penalties.
The Burgundy and Gold were flagged seven times for 80 yards. Repeat offenders only emphasized the frustration.
Tight end Jordan Reed gave away 30 yards courtesy of a pair of holding penalties and a pass interference violation. Meanwhile, DeAngelo Hall was flagged twice, including a 15-yard personal foul.
These were drive-killing gaffes the Redskins have to avoid during the run-in. Washington will be favorites against the Cowboys thanks to the latter's injuries, along with their own stunning home form.
The last thing Gruden's men can do is give a team they have a great opportunity to beat a chance. Practice sessions must be about emphasizing accountability for every loss of discipline. Gruden has to operate a zero-tolerance policy this week.
Pass Rush a Collective Effort
5 of 5
Manning had nowhere to run in Week 12. He was facing collapsing edges and a crumbling interior. That meant constant pressure thanks to a collective effort from Washington's primary pass-rushers.
Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Murphy and Preston Smith consistently won on the outside. Injuries up front were a major factor behind the unified heat, as Anthony Gulizia of the Washington Times noted: "The Redskins sacked the Giants’ quarterback three times on Sunday, taking advantage of New York’s injured offensive line. Left guard Justin Pugh and center Weston Richburg were ruled out before the start of the game, and guard Geoff Schwartz broke a leg in first quarter."
Importantly, the pressure came from everywhere. Kerrigan registered two sacks and three extra hits on Manning, according to ESPN.com. Smith and Murphy combined for another trio of hits, per the same source. Along the interior, Chris Baker came crashing through the middle for a sack and one more hit. Fellow D-tackle Jason Hatcher also left a bruise on Manning.
This is how every pass rush in the league is supposed to work. It's especially important for a defense like the one Barry runs, a scheme predicated almost entirely on consistently getting home with just the front four.
Things won't be as easy for Kerrigan and his buddies when they face a more gifted Cowboys O-line, particularly in the middle. But teams have enjoyed success against the Dallas front five this season by moving pass-rushers around to create different rush looks and combinations.
Barry must be flexible enough to shift Murphy and Smith inside and stand different players up to confuse the Cowboys' blocking schemes. Then it will be a tough night for Romo's deputy.
Applying what they learned in toppling the Giants can help the Redskins seize control of the division next week.
All statistics and player information via NFL.com, unless otherwise stated.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
