Redskins vs. Seahawks: 6 Things We Learned in Redskins 23-17 Win

The Washington Redskins came from behind to win a tight defensive struggle on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.

For the second week in a row, the Redskins performed well and, unlike last week against the Cowboys, were ultimately rewarded for their efforts.

A lack of efficiency and discipline on offense was the main reason the Redskins fell behind and struggled to get the better of Seattle.

Mike Shanahan's beleaguered squad failed to convert some early statistical dominance into additional points and a commanding lead.

Turnovers and blown assignments then began to conspire to undo the Redskins efforts and let the Seahawks back into the game.

But the Redskins wouldn't be denied and some big plays in the final quarter from both sides of the ball saw them nudge their way back into the lead for good.

Here are six lessons learned from a great road victory.

6. Fred Davis Is the Best Young Tight End in the Game

A bold statement? Maybe. An unashamed example of bias? Possibly. Fred David may face some strong competition, but it is the opinion of this author that the Redskins star is the best young player at his position in the league today.

Names such as Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Jermichael Finley may dominate most of the headlines when it comes to the tight end position but Davis deserves mention amongst elite company. He was dominant on the opening drive against the Seahawks defense.

Combining tremendous size and strength at 6'4" and 258 pounds, Davis also possesses game speed akin to a natural wideout.

His best attributes may be his excellent hands and intelligent route running. Davis runs precise patterns and is aided in this area by some nicely designed plays.

Crafting ways to get Davis open and exploit his talents is the one part of Kyle Shanahan's play calling that is above criticism.

Davis has been the lone bright spot on an abysmal Washington offense this season. If only he was matched with a quarterback capable of consistently finding him.

5. The Redskins Defense Has to Become More Physical Up Front

The Redskins 3-4 front once again failed to hold up against the run. The front three were the main culprits in this area.

The Seahawks were able to gain separation in the second halfthanks mostly to the rushing efforts of Marshawn Lynch.

These gains were made possible by how easily Seattle's offensive line managed to push back the Redskins defensive front.

Nose tackle Barry Cofield hasn't been able to build on some early season promise and is struggling to hold up at the point of attack.

Cofield is not drawing and commanding double teams. This is leaving too many free rushing lanes for opposing runners to exploit.

Stephen Bowen was probably Washington's best lineman in this game. But the former Dallas Cowboy couldn't gain consistent penetration for four quarters.

The soft play of the line is letting running backs make unhindered progress into a physically underwhelming secondary.

There is no way that the 3-4 can work without more aggressive and stout play from the trio up front.

4. Roy Helu Proved That He Should Be Treated as a Featured Runner

After weeks of dipping toes in the water, the Redskins finally gave fourth-round rookie Roy Helu a proper opportunity to showcase his talents.

The former Cornhuskers standout didn't disappoint. Helu topped 100-yards on the ground against a strong Seattle run defense, including a crucial fourth period score.

He also continued to demonstrate his proficiency as a receiver out of the backfield. With a full and sustained role in the offense, Helu was able to display a dynamic and versatile skill set.

Along with Davis, Helu gives the Redskins two exciting young playmakers to build an offense around. It is vital that the Redskins continue to give Helu plenty of carries during the final few weeks of the season.

3. Ageless Santana Moss Is Still the Redskins Primary Wide Receiver

32-year-old Santana Moss returned to the lineup after his lengthy injury absence and showed just how vital he still is to the Redskins offense.

The veteran pass catcher worked the slot and produced a steady and consistent performance, as he eased his way back into the passing game.

His route running and instincts appeared sharp and as his fitness returns, Moss will become an effective target for Rex Grossman in the final five games

Having such a reliable and savvy intermediate option in the passing game can only help Grossman in overcoming his struggles.

Moss may operate more in the slot than on the outside as he has gotten older, but the superb greybeard flanker remains the true number one wideout in Washington's offense.

2. Poor Discipline Is Hurting the Redskins More Than Questionable Play Calling

The play calling of coordinators Jim Haslett and Kyle Shanahan has been questioned several times this season.

But this game showed that a lack of team discipline just might be the Redskins biggest problem. Senseless penalties, poor tackling at crucial moments and needless turnovers threatened to derail the Redskins several times.

The offense, in particular, is flagged for too many penalties. Helu's chop block forced the offense into an implausible, long field goal try and took points off the board.

Despite making his share of plays, Rex Grossman continues to be plagued by his penchant for forcing the football rather than simply throwing it away.

Grossman has been in the league long enough to know when to heave the ball into the stands and live to fight another play.

LaRon Landry's ridiculous attempt to lay out a Seahawks receiver on third and long allowed the wideout to bounce off him and convert.

Landry should have observed proper tackling technique and simply wrapped his man up. This kept alive a drive which resulted in the NFC West outfit building a ten point lead.

Discipline is ultimately the responsibility of the head coach, but the players have to accept their portion of the blame for their continued habit of beating themselves.

1. On His Day, DeAngelo Hall Can Still Be a Very Effective Corner

He has been the subject of plenty of criticism at times and justifiably so, but DeAngelo Hall deserves praise for his efforts in Seattle.

The brash cover man comfortably handled man coverage responsibilities at various times during the game.

Hall recorded a couple of crucial pass breakups in the red zone and smothered Seattle pass catchers for most of the day.

Hall's assured performance allowed Haslett's blitz schemes to work. Thanks to Hall's efforts, Haslett felt comfortable dialing up his favored eight man, cover-0 front for a critical fourth down play late in the game.

Being beaten by Doug Baldwin for the Seahawks second touchdown of the day was the only real blight on Hall's performance.

But fittingly, Hall had the last word, sealing the game by picking off Tarvaris Jackson's desperation heave to confirm victory. 

If he can regain his former trademark confidence and combine it with more renewed efforts like the one he delivered today, Hall can still be a key player for the Redskins defense. 

Can't Beat That Winning Feeling

It is impossible to overstate how much difference a win can make to the psyche of the team and the mood of its fans.

A hard fought victory on the road provides the perfect tonic for six-straight painful defeats. The Seahawks may not be an elite team, but the lair of the defending NFC West Champions is a notoriously difficult place to go.

The Redskins players and staff deserve tremendous credit for battling back and forcing an end to their losing streak.

It is important that this win forms the platform for a strong finish to the season. Positive results in the next few weeks will create plenty of optimism heading into the offseason and renew hopes for 2012.