WASHINGTON — It’s a new season for the Washington Redskins, but the challenges are old.
Monday’s 38–16 loss to the Steelers at FedEx Field did little to ease concerns about the Redskins’ ability to run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense. Last season, the Redskins ranked 20th in rushing offense and 26th in rushing defense.
Against the Steelers, the Redskins managed only 55 yards rushing. Quarterback Kirk Cousins did not seem overly concerned about the running game. He said that the Redskins were forced into 43 passing attempts because they often dealt with third-and-long situations and were trailing the Steelers.
With all due respect to Cousins, failure to establish the running game is a big reason the Redskins ended up chasing the Steelers. On their first three scoring drives, the Redskins had to settle for field goals. On five trips inside the Steelers 20-yard line, the Redskins managed only one touchdown. The Redskins were too predictable on offense.
On defense, the Redskins could not come up with an answer for Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, as he scampered for 143 yards. The defensive line’s ineffectiveness allowed Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger too much time to find Antonio Brown. It was curious that off-season acquisition Josh Norman was not matched up against Brown.
To be sure, making the playoffs for only the second time in eight years last season was a sign of progress for the Redskins, but the NFL is all about parity. Bad teams are given pathways to get better, including easier schedules: Last season the Redskins won the NFC East without beating a team with a winning record.
To make consecutive playoff appearances, teams have to improve. It’s too early to panic over the Redskins, but it’s not too early to be concerned.
