Redskins vs Falcons: First quarter review

End of 1st: Falcons 14, Redskins 0

1st Qtr | 2nd Qtr | 3rd Qtr | 4th Qtr

» A lack of discipline once again hurt the Redskins’ defense, both times by DT Albert Haynesworth, who had two offsides penalties. The second one, of course, killed the Redskins as it came on fourth and 1 inside the 10-yard line. The Falcons had no intention of running a play.

» Chris Wilson got caught taking his eyes off his work. Someone absolutely must account for tight end Tony Gonzalez at the goal-line and it appeared – we say appeared because sometimes it’s hard to accurately know, but based on where he was aligned it’s safe to say this – Wilson was the culprit. He looked in the backfield for a second and that enabled Gonzalez to get free. That’s more discipline.

» The linebackers did a poor job on Michael Turner’s 33-yard run around the end. Andre Carter was blocked, but Brian Orakpo and London Fletcher were blocked and could not do their jobs.

» Why Mike Williams is in the NFL is still beyond me. He said his footwork is fine, but it looked horrible on the sack. He just can’t react to good inside moves. At all.

» More displays of discipline with Reed Doughty lining up offsides on a punt. He’s smarter than that and coach Danny Smith is a good one. But it doesn’t take much to look like a poorly-coached team.

» The Redskins are not blitzing at all, but are applying enough pressure with four down linemen. It’s what led to a sack and also the interception. On Rocky McIntosh’s pick, Andre Carter was getting ready to hit Matt Ryan and Lorenzo Alexander was in his face. Pressure Ryan and he will make mistakes.

» Fast Freddie Davis did not help his quarterback at all on the interception. Should have had the catch.

» Jason Campbell’s ankle looks much better as evidenced on his 14-yard run.

» How many guys brought in by the masterminds can screw up today? Davis, Devin Thomas, Albert Haynesworth, Mike Williams…. An impressive list.

» Davis at least had a catch and he sealed the edge on a four-yard Ladell Betts run. Pop the champagne corks.

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