LOS ANGELES — The Redskins faced some adversity in their first road game of the year, but instead of finding a way to lose in Los Angeles, they made the plays and got win No. 1 of the year.
Kirk Cousins found Ryan Grant for an 11-yard touchdown with 1:49 left to give the Redskins a 27-20 win. Head coach Jay Gruden has mentioned over and over again the desire to run the football, and on Sunday, he did and it paid off. That’s just one of the things that the Redskins did successfully in order to pull out the road win.
1. Despite the passing game issues, the offense found a rhythm
On the first couple possessions of the game, Gruden found a rhythm with his play calls and didn’t abandon it while trying to out think himself. Rob Kelley had 78 yards on 12 carries before exiting the game with an injury. Chris Thompson had 77 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Thompson has been one of the most underrated Redskins over the last couple years. He makes plays, and did so on Sunday. He had a 61-yard touchdown run as well.
The Redskins ran the ball for 229 yards, which was big because the passing game continued to struggle at times. Cousins did make the play when the team needed it the most, though, finding Grant for the game-winning touchdown.
2. Overcoming injuries
It seemed like every possession on Sunday saw a Redskins player leaving the game due to injury. Running back Kelley left in the 2nd quarter with what Gruden called a possible fractured rib.
Tight end Jordan Reed was out for an extended period of time with a chest injury.
Cornerback Deshazor Everett left the game in the second half with an eye injury and tackle Morgan Moses suffered an ankle injury.
Despite these injuries the Redskins displayed the “next man up” mentality and it paid off. After the game, players were crediting the guys that ended up stepping in, making sure there was no drop-off. The word “resilient” was mentioned numerous times in the postgame locker room as players described what kind of team they have.
3. The defense showed up and made the play when the team needed it
It was Mason Foster’s interception of Jared Goff with 1:49 remaining that sealed it, but the defense made plenty of plays that were enough to win. Josh Norman, who’s perfected the punch out, forced two fumbles in the game.
Ryan Kerrigan had a strong game for a second straight week, notching a sack and a forced fumble while Zach Brown continued to fly around the ball and make plays, registering 10 tackles.
The thing that can’t be overlooked from Sunday, though, was the run game. This team has been trying to establish the run and an identity. They did so on Sunday, imposing their will on the Rams’ defense early and often in the game. They ended up wearing them down and getting out with a win.
Next up, a primetime matchup Sunday night against the Raiders at FedExField.
