On Saturday, I wrote what I thought would happen – who would be the key players, etc., — and now today let’s take a look at what actually transpired. And why.
1. Will Albert Haynesworth play?
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What we said: Despite all the drama, the Redskins have to know he can still help them. It wouldn’t make sense for them not to play him. If you’re going to be that way, why have him on the roster? And Haynesworth against the left side of the Dallas line could have some big moments. My fear with Haynesworth is that he doesn’t know the defense all that well yet – his rep never has been for being that knowledgeable about the D. So that would lead to major problems against the run. In the nickel? No matter what others say about it, Haynesworth draws more attention than anyone else up front. As one NFL source said earlier this week, if Haynesworth doesn’t play, “Dallas will be happy.” Use him for certain moments.
What happened: Haynesworth indeed did play, but only managed one snap in the fourth quarter. Think about that. Anyway, he lined up at tackle (in two-man fronts) and over the nose on a couple series, including five straight plays in one stretch. He was not very effective. At nose, he’s torn between trying to penetrate and make plays and do his job. It’s a struggle and his instinct is to get upfield. But Dallas would just hit plays the other way; it’s what also happened in the preseason. When he was supposed to hold his ground, he didn’t seem to engage the center very much. The 3-4 is not made – at all – for guys who want to do their own thing. That’s typically what he’s done, which is another reason why any scout, GM or talent evaluator outside of this organization says the same thing: square peg, round hole.
2. Can Donovan McNabb run the entire offense?
What we said: My guess is that he won’t be limited by his ankle. The Redskins are constructed to get him out on rollouts and bootlegs. If he has to stand in the pocket all the time, then there will be trouble and the offense won’t function as well. Dallas has a terrific rush and the way the Redskins have to counter it is through good blocking, obviously, but also allowing him to move. McNabb will get sacked; he did a lot in Philly in part because he’s always looking to make plays. That means holding onto the ball a second longer. What I wonder is how well he’s picked up this offense? Around the league, that is a concern about him. Is that legit? If he hasn’t picked it up, then we’ll see passes behind guys – sometimes a sign of waiting to see if the guy comes open vs. knowing that he will. Of course, he had accuracy issues in Philly as well. And it typically comes down to him making a play when everything breaks down.
What happened: McNabb wasn’t limited at all. Any problems he had were not because of his ankle; as evidenced by his 17-yard sprint for a first down in the opening half. He did not have great numbers, but that was almost to be expected given where the Redskins are at in this offense. McNabb completed 15 of 32 passes for 171 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions. He did avoid pressure rather well and was only sacked once. He showed decent touch on a couple passes and should have had a touchdown pass but Anthony Armstrong bobbled then dropped a perfectly thrown ball on the fade. McNabb is still learning this offense, but a bigger problem for him yesterday was the lack of open receivers, a running game that didn’t get going until late. He did miss a couple throws and wasn’t perfect by any means. But the ankle wasn’t an issue.
3. Is the offense ready to face Dallas?
What we said: No. It’s the first game of a new offense and they’re facing one of the best defenses in the NFL. Also, the Redskins have a rookie left tackle, a right tackle making his first start since 2008 and at a new position; and they lack receiving depth. The good thing is the quarterback is familiar with this defense as is just about everyone else on this offense. But this is not a game to be wowed by what they show. This is a survival game; grind out some yards, hit a couple big plays and hope like heck the defense can set up some easy scores.
What happened: Well, guess we hit this one, huh? The offense struggled and the defense did more than set up an easy score, it got one of its own thanks to a curious call by Dallas and a terrific play by DeAngelo Hall. The only way Washington was going to win this game was by its defense either producing points or a few turnovers.
4. Is there a concern with the running game?
What we said: Yes. The stretch zone stuff is built on timing. It’s also built on having the running back know exactly how long to press the hole before cutting back – and it’s about the back trusting that the backside cuts will be effective. That’s a lot to ask go right in the opener. The good news for Washington is that Clinton Portis seems better suited for this, even if he lacks explosiveness. Also, in the running game this preseason I didn’t see receivers making good, consistent blocks. In this offense, that’s an absolute must. I did see better blocks by Chris Cooley, but more inconsistency from Fred Davis.
What happened: Portis had some success late, but there wasn’t a lot of consistency in this area. No surprise considering Dallas has an excellent front seven, maybe the best in football. Cooley did a good job blocking; Davis did not. The lead blocks weren’t exactly clearing open holes and Mike Sellers struggled when having to block Ware (not surprising), but Dallas was able to win a lot of matchups up front. This could end up being a better team in pass protection than on the ground. But the ground game did do what it should: produce late. It’s designed to wear down teams and it sort of did. Casey Rabach, who had his issues, did help open a good cutback lane on the final drive. And Cooley actually served as a lead blocker a few times, starting as a wingback before hitting into the hole.There were a couple missed cutbacks by Portis. And the timing that’s been discussed was evident on one play where Artis Hicks pulled to his left and Portis hit the hole fast, then had to almost stop because Hicks wasn’t through the hole. That enabled a backside defender to make the play. Had there been no delay, Portis could have had a solid run. Overall, not a whole lot of push up front.
5. Key matchups for the offense?
What we said: It has to start with center Casey Rabach vs. nose tackle Jay Ratliff. Rabach is better equipped to handle a smaller nose tackle than a bigger one, but Ratliff is a different sort. He’s one of the best and can be very disruptive in the backfield. On the stretch runs, if Ratliff is lined up outside Rabach, it’ll be tough for him to be stopped. In that case, all Rabach must do is slide him down the line; but if he gets in the backfield, the play is dead. The other two matchups involve the tackles, with Trent Williams facing DeMarcus Ware and Jammal Brown against Anthony Spencer. Williams’ ability to recover will be crucial. Listen, Ware will make plays; that doesn’t mean Williams had a bad game. He just has to limit the number of plays he makes. If he gives up a sack yet Ware isn’t heard from again, I’ll take it if I’m Washington. What can’t happen is for Ware to completely dominate. Williams can’t allow Ware to get his hands on him as fast as Terrell Suggs did in the preseason. As for Brown, Spencer came on big time as a pass rusher, but he’s already a good run defender. Brown likes to gobble guys up using his strength.
What happened: Ratliff beat Rabach a lot of the night, but he’s also one of the best, if not the best, nose tackles in the game. Just too fast and powerful. He can get in the backfield fast enough to then square up and approach the runner. Some guys penetrate to a side and it doesn’t help. Trent Williams was actually fairly solid vs. Ware, though he did give up a sack and a pressure. But there were a couple times when Williams’ long arms and athleticism helped him recover. On one pressure late, Ware lined up extra wide and that forced Williams to extend his arms further than he would have liked; and that allowed Ware to use his hands to gain the edge. Jammal Brown was OK, though he apparently isn’t in good enough shape to play the whole game. Makes you wonder if this will be an issue all season. Brown did get pushed back on a few runs in space. But he kept Spencer quiet in the passing game.
6. Can the Redskins throw on Dallas?
What we said: If they use a lot of two tight end sets in the passing game. The Cowboy corners are excellent, another reason why this defense is so good. But can the safeties handle two tight ends who can catch the ball? This has to be a game where Cooley plays a big role; he has 41 career catches in 10 games, but it’s 24 in the last four. That’s what we expect.
What happened: They used two tight ends, but it really didn’t matter. Cooley did finish with six catches for 80 yards while Santana Moss had six for 77. Everyone else combined for three catches. Listen, this is an issue of trust. McNabb rightly trusts these two the most. Wouldn’t you? When Washington used three-receiver packages, it had Roydell Williams and Armstrong in with Moss. Hardly a scary trio. And Joey Galloway had one pass thrown his way. One. When will we start to hear that they’re saving him for the postseason.
7. How much will Dallas miss its two starting linemen?
What we said: An awful lot. Not just because they’re good, but because their line is now 40 percent backups – plus a left tackle who is unproven. The Cowboys like to pull the left guard and with Kyle Kosier out and Montrae Holland in, that will be difficult. b was a bust in St. Louis and now he’s starting at right tackle. His footwork is just not as good as Marc Colombo’s. Though Dallas is considered a Super Bowl contender, its line will trip them up in the end – even when all five starters are healthy.
What happened: They missed them. An awful lot. Holland actually had one pull in which he got downfield and helped clear a lane. But Barron was dreadful. Just dreadful. The Redskins were wise to put Brian Orakpo over him because Andre Carter wasn’t doing much vs. him. Why? Because of how Orakpo launches into guys. Barron was strong enough to withstand Carter’s rushes in which he wants to use his hands. The key to beating Barron was getting into his chest. And Orakpo had him confused on the last series. The guy was afraid of him. On the final play, he met him a couple yards earlier than he had been doing and almost bear hugged him. Perhaps because he’d been beaten so much, but he really had no idea where Orakpo would go. On the previous play, Orakpo got inside him on a stunt. Yes, they missed Colombo.
8. Who are the key players defensively?
What we said: How about all of them, considering the talent Dallas has outside of its line. But I’ll pick a couple starting with NT Maake Kemoeatu. Can he be the anchor they need vs. the run? If London Fletcher is running clean, the answer is yes. If not… trouble. Kemoeatu pleased the coaches in the summer, but in watching every game he played this summer twice, I’m not as sold. They were gutted a lot on the ground this summer, not just because of Kemo. He won’t get much of a push, he just can’t get shoved back a few yards. Andre Carter must have a strong game facing a backup tackle. Can he? And safety Reed Doughty, not the best fit at free safety against a team that can go deep and has one of the game’s best tight ends in Jason Witten.
What happened: Kemoeatu was fairly quiet. Yeah, he got moved back a couple times but he wasn’t the problem. However, the linebackers weren’t always able to run clean to the ball, especially London Fletcher. Kemo is a space eater; that’s it. Carter was pretty quiet, too. Thought he could take advantage more of Barron but he really didn’t. The tight ends had success blocking him. Doughty blew the coverage on the touchdown; should have been in front of Miles Austin. And he was a step late on a pass late in the game. He was in position to make a play, but couldn’t get there in time. It’s why he’s best as a strong safety. But they allowed only seven points so what the heck.
9. How should they play Romo?
What we said: It’s easy to say that since Minnesota sat back and confused him that the Redskins should do the same. But the Redskins don’t have Jared Allen. So they definitely can’t just try to confuse him. If you try to confuse him but don’t apply pressure, you can’t win. Brian Orakpo needs a good game as well rushing the passer. The problem is, at times he’d get pressure but needed someone else to clean up when he collapses the pocket. Uh, hello, Albert? The confusion will come in the schemes and what I’ve liked watching is that when they send four sometimes it has the feel of more because of where they’re sending them from. But sit back all game? No way.
What happened: The Redskins showed more looks than they have in a long time. There was a variety of looks up front, but it was also hard to tell who was coming and when. They’d show six, then rush three to one side and one to the other. They blitzed corners who were lined up wide; they blitzed safeties and corners from the same side. They used LaRon Landry all over the place, as a free, strong and even a linebacker on some sets. Romo admitted they were doing things he hadn’t seen before. I guess it worked; but he did throw for 287 yards, was only sacked once and had a touchdown. However, because of the line he also threw a lot of quick passes. The play calling was curious; Dallas had an edge on the ground and failed to take advantage.
10. What are the intangibles?
What we said: Emotion. Though Dallas certainly will be fired up for its opener, they enter this season with a lot of pressure to play a certain way. The Redskins don’t have that same sort of expectation. However, they are a confident team and they’ve pointed to this game for a long time. It’s Mike Shanahan’s debut… Donovan McNabb’s debut… against a hated rival… at home… Sunday night. It could be huge.
What happened: Safe to say there was a lot of emotion in the stadium. So I think this was a safe call. Saw fewer empty seats than I have in a long while, especially in the club seats. Though the Redskins tried to manufacture some emotion with the We Want Dallas stuff flashing on the scoreboard, it was unnecessary. The fans and players were ready.
11. Who will win?
What we said: Earlier in the week, when it appeared Dallas would be healthy, the Cowboys were the wise pick. Where did Washington hold the edge? I’m not sure how Washington will sustain an offense against that defense, but with Dallas’ line weakened by injuries, it gives the defense a chance to hold serve – and maybe then some. I don’t know how the Redskins do it, but emotion will play a role especially early. Did we mention that Shanahan was 10-4 in his openers with Denver? So I’ve switched gears and like the Redskins, 14-13.
What happened: Glad I changed my mind. It’s why you can’t make picks on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Clearly the emotion wasn’t a factor early, but they did gut it out. They have some obvious flaws; I’m not sold on the run blocking and the defense still allowed a lot of yards (key: few points). But is anyone going to argue about a so-called ugly win over Dallas? Didn’t think so. And the Cowboys losing those linemen really seemed to alter things. So I was right. It happens every so often.
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Instant analysis from the Redskins’ 13-7 win over Dallas.
