Washington Redskins: Week One Observations.

The Washington Redskins dominated the Giants in week one action and several observations became readily apparent.

The game was action packed, but the Redskins have sent out notice that all the prognosticators need to rethink the NFC East. 

There were some great things to take away from this game as well as some genuine concerns that could become season killers for the Redskins.

Here are six things we learned about the Redskins today from the 28-14 win against the Giants.

Ryan Kerrigan Has Skills

Ryan Kerrigan looked like a rookie on several plays this week, but that's what he is. This young man has so much upside it's scary.

His situational awareness on the play that resulted in a touchdown for him was a play of a seasoned veteran.

We can expect tremendous things out of Ryan this season.

Oh yeah, Orakpo was mugged all game again. That will stop once Kerrigan starts recording one or two sacks a game.

The 3-4 Defense Has Come a Long Way

The defense looked lost in the first quarter of this game, but they pulled it together and absolutely dominated the last three quarters.

They stuffed the run, the sacked the QB, and they broke up the passes.

Coach Haslett's calls were not always what they should have been (3 man rush on 3rd and long inside the 10? Really?!?), but it's easy to say that after the fact.

The point remains this defense owned the Giants offense, sacking Eli four times, and not just holding when it mattered, but pushing the Giants backwards. 

There was no way the Giants had a chance after the Redskins went up in the third quarter.

Rex Grossman might not be a liar

Earlier in the preseason, Rex claimed that Shanahan the younger had a far better offensive scheme than the Bears had the year he went to the Superbowl.

Today he went for over 300 yards for only the fourth time in his career. Yes the Giants Defense was depleted, but still, Rex was excellent.

Also, he was under pressure all day, but held onto that ball when he needed to. He did lose a fumble, but come on, he was pummeled all day long.

There's not a QB in the league that wouldn't have fumbled that ball.  It just makes 300+ yards passing all the more impressive.

The Offensive Line Is Not Fixed

Now the bad news.

The offensive line failed in almost every aspect of their game.

They didn't zone block for the run, they didn't protect Rex on pass plays, and over all they were pushed around like a Pop Warner team for most of the game.

Sound harsh? Only if you weren't watching. Those guys owe Rex Grossman a huge apology. This is the one glaring flaw in the Redskins.

Still.

How frustrated must you be right now as a fan? Where the hell are the Hogs? Not here, that's for sure.

The line will be the reason we don't make the playoffs this year, and why Hightower will struggle to break 100 yards a game

Trent Williams is not living up to his potential.

Our first round left tackle for the future is looking more and more like he might have been a mistake.

As a rookie, we can forgive the growing pains as he settled into his role in the big, bad NFL. Not this year.

This is the year you put up or shut up, and today he looked outclassed, plain and simple.

Trent has the ability.  It remains to be seen if he has the heart.  He can't just go through the motions.  He's a left tackle, the premier line position in the NFL. 

He must play like a premier lineman, something he has has not done yet. 

The Giants beat him all day long.

Fred Davis Is Scary Good

Can't end on a down note, so here's one of the best things to take away from this game;  Fred Davis had over 100 yards and looked like he wants Cooley's spot.

Chris Cooley had better get back out there if he wants to keep his starting position as Davis was superb.  He was constantly one to two steps ahead of his coverage, and he will quickly become the new regimes favorite relief valve if he keeps this up.

His second effort probably gave the Redskins 20+ extra yards today.