Mistakes and turnovers mar decent production vs. 49ers The Redskins drafted them to be part of the future. They’re
also part of the reason Washington is struggling. The Redskins’ losing streak and injuries have forced them to turn to their youth. And it was evident that in some cases they’re still learning. Washington started three rookies on offense: left guard Maurice Hurt, receiver Leonard Hankerson and running back Roy Helu. They also played rookie receiver Niles Paul and second-year receiver Terrence Austin.
And the Redskins got mixed results in Sunday’s 19-11 loss to San Francisco.
» Helu gained 146 combined yards, catching a club-record 14 passes for 105 yards. But his fumble before the end of the first half set up a San Francisco touchdown. Helu managed 41 yards on 10 carries, but the running game never threatened the 49ers. His biggest success came on screen passes.
» Hankerson finished with four catches for 34 yards. But he’s still getting used to reading defenses and trying to see what works and what doesn’t in terms of route running.
“I think he’s a difference maker in this league,” coach Mike Shanahan said of a player who has yet to score a touchdown.
» Paul only had one pass thrown his way, but his youthfulness showed. On a second-and-7 in the second quarter, Paul failed to keep drifting on a route as he was supposed to do. Quarterback John Beck threw to where he should have continued, but the pass fell incomplete.
“Your adrenaline gets going, and you want to make a play so bad,” Paul said. “It’s different when you’re a veteran; you’re used to it. We’re out there trying to make a play. In Buffalo I had to calm myself down a lot. It’s all about being young and being able to adjust to everything and being comfortable.”
» Hurt appeared to have an uneven game, getting knocked on his backside a couple times. But he didn’t give up any sacks.
“The tempo was a little faster,” he said. “Maybe took a second to get used to it.”
» Austin caught two passes for 14 yards but also fumbled. His mistake occurred because he turned upfield with the ball in his inside arm, making it easy for the linebacker coming from that side to knock it away.
“I was just trying to make a play,” Austin said. “I didn’t pay attention to the fundamentals.”
