They sent receivers this way and ran the ball that way; they scored on draws and screens; their quarterback set an NFL record; two running backs combined to rush for 210 yards. The Redskins offense finally exploded.
But wait a minute.
They did all this in Sunday’s 31-15 win over the Texans, who are ranked 32nd in total defense, have allowed 98 points in three games and generally are defensively-challenged.
Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of 123.5 against Houston in three games. Mark Brunell’s was 119.3.
So the question becomes: Was this the start of something good by the offense?
Certainly, the coming Sunday will tell a lot as the Redskins (1-2) host Jacksonville (2-1), which has the NFL’s third-ranked defense and might be the best defense Washington faces this season.
Even Redskins coach Joe Gibbs isn’t sure what to expect from an offense that sputtered for two weeks and erupted in the third.
“I wish I could answer that,” Gibbs said. “It was a confidence thing [Sunday]. Guys see what they can do. Hopefully it’ll be something we can build on.”
The Texans game featured numerous short passes as quarterback Brunell set an NFL-record with 22 straight completions. He had one downfield completion, a 25-yarder to David Patten. The short passes were effective, but associate head coach/offense Al Saunders’ offense works best when passes are thrown downfield.
Washington must still prove it can do that.
“I don’t think anyone in the NFL would try to win [consistently] with short passes in the flat,” Gibbs said. “We need to be balanced and get the ball downfield.”
But the Redskins displayed a rhythm Sunday absent the first two games, buoyed by the return of a healthy Clinton Portis at running back.
Houston consistently dared them to throw underneath. The Redskins successfully did.
Saunders also kept the Texans off-balance. Early in the game, he often sent receivers in motion and ran the opposite way. As the game evolved, the runs tilted toward the motion side.
“They ran a lot of gadget plays that kind of caught us on our heels,” Houston rookie linebacker DeMeco Ryans said.
The win at least allowed the Redskins to exit a game feeling good. And they showed they have enough playmakers to hurt teams — eight players caught passes.
“We’d like to be that efficient and get the ball in the hands of our playmakers,” Brunell said, “whether it’s downfield or on a short pass. [Sunday] was a good example of what we want to be.”
Week 4 notes
» Quarterback Mark Brunell suffered a laceration on his left elbow and might not practice Wednesday. Brunell said he would need “a few” stitches. The Redskins want to make sure it doesn’t become infected, which is what happened to him in Week 3 of 2003 in Jacksonville. He didn’t play another game for the Jaguars. Meanwhile, Brunell, linebacker Marcus Washington and punter Derrick Frost all earned their own parking space at Redskins Park for this week based on their performances Sunday.
» Redskins coach Joe Gibbs remains uncertain about cornerback Shawn Springs (groin/abdomen) for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville. Springs hurt his groin in practice last week while in pads for the first time since his Aug. 15 surgery. The original prognosis was that he would miss four to six weeks, which would possibly put him out this week, too.
» Defensive tackle Joe Salave’a (calf) said he hopes to practice Wednesday, but remains uncertain about his status for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville. Salave’a did not play against Houston. Rookie Kedric Golston started in his place and finished with two tackles, half a sack, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery.
» The Redskins surrendered the equivalent of a third round draft choice to get running back T.J. Duckett. He was expected to become the short-yardage back this season, but he was inactive Sunday. Duckett said he was surprised. “Of course it eats at you,” he said. “You always want to play. At the same time, it’s a team game and you have to be a team player.”
