Before a report surfaced from Bleacher Report early today, it seemed, for once, the Washington Redskins were the only NFC East team not embroiled in any kind of controversy. Poor play calling and time management at the end of games leading to two 10 point leads being squandered in New York? Franchise cornerstones Dez Bryant and Tony Romo injured in Dallas? Offensive, scratch that, complete ineptitude in Philly? Even with reports that embattled former second overall pick Robert Griffin and current starter Kirk Cousins have an, at the least, untenable relationship, things are looking wide open for Washington to compete for the NFC East crown.
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| Matt Jones' (31) bruising running style has helped Washington set the tone on offense |
After a 24-10 dismantling of the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, Washington is a 69 yard punt return removed from a 2-0 start to the season. How have they done it? With the physical attitude new General Manager Scot McCloughan had hoped to bring back to the Nation's Capitol. It's undeniable that the attitude with which Washington has played the first two weeks is one of a smash-mouth team that you'll remember playing. The teams success has started up front, with offseason additions Stephen Paea, Terrance Knighton, and Ricky Jean-Francois paying early dividends on defense, while fifth overall pick Brandon Scherff has fueled a resurgent offensive line. Look no further than the stat line for evidence that McCloughan's plan is, so far, working. The Redskins lead the league in rushing yards per game; toting the ball for 171 yards per contest, thanks largely to the 1-2 punch of Alfred Morris and Matt Jones, who rank 6th and 8th overall, respectively, in rush yards. But why is this important? Beyond allowing Kirk Cousins to play "game manager" (Cousins has completed 75.9% of his passes, despite only throwing for 379 yards), the dominant rushing attack has kept opposing team's offenses on the sideline. Washington trails only Dallas in time of possession, averaging a whopping 37:49 of possession through two contests, up from a pedestrian 30:26 in 2014.
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| Newly added NT Terrance Knighton (98) has anchored a stout front seven on defense |
The ability to control the clock has only aided a defense that, granted against subpar competition, has looked dominant. Washington ranks 1st in the NFL in total yards allowed per game at a mere 234.5 yards per game. To give some perspective, Washington's top two running backs have gained 180 and 151 yards respectively through two games. Washington has been stout up front, allowing just 70.5 yards per game on the ground, good for 4th in the NFL, and has allowed just 164 yards per game through the air, despite playing with leads in both weeks. All this has allowed Washington to trail only Carolina and the New York Jets in points per game given up at 13.5 per game, a number that drops to 10 if you discount points given up by special teams.
Given Washington's new defensive and run-oriented personality, a team that many picked to finish 7-9 at best, has a legitimate shot to win the NFC East. If Kirk Cousins can continue to limit mistakes, manage the game, and convert key third downs, Washington has a shot, thanks in large part to everyone else's short comings. The NFC East however will be decided as it always is, by divisional record. Washington can begin to put it's best foot forward this Thursday night as they visit the New York Giants for their first primetime game of the year. The last time they visited New York on a Thursday night? Last years debacle of a performance, where four Kirk Cousins interceptions led to an embarrassing 45-14 defeat. If the team can keep winning in the trenches, the outcome should be different this time around.
