Washington Redskins Eliminated From Playoff Contention

On Sunday, the Washington Redskins lost to the Green Bay Packers 20-15, eliminating them from the NFL playoffs. The Redskins were in a unique position to close out the season, as they still had a chance at claiming the NFC East title if the tides turned in their favor. However, with a loss, they no longer have a shot.

Sunday’s loss puts Washington at 3-10 on the season, just above the 2-10 New York Giants who play on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. If the Giants win, they’d move past the Redskins for third place in the division.

Another “Close” Game Ends in a Loss

Even though the final score was close, the Redskins were at a disadvantage from the get-go. Green Bay drove 50 yards in seven plays on their first drive to give themselves a 7-0 lead. Washington failed to respond multiple times, as it took them until late in the second quarter to get into the end zone. Overall, they weren’t much of a match for Aaron Rodgers and the powerful Packers’ offense.

In the end, however, the passing numbers were similar. Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. threw for a typical 170 yards through the air, and that number isn’t so bad compared to Rodgers’s 195 yards. The only noticeable difference between their respective performances was the interception by Haskins at the end of the second quarter. Aside from that, both quarterbacks managed the game while each team’s rushing attack dominated.

Image Courtesy of AP Photo.

Side note: Haskins seemed to favor his right ankle in Sunday’s loss. He limped around the field all day, but the coaching staff assured reporters after the game.

“There was never an instance where we considered taking him out of the game,” interim head coach Bill Callahan said to the media in his post-game press conference. “Never occurred to us.”

Packers’ running back Aaron Jones led the way on the ground with 134 yards and a touchdown. He also led the team in catches and receiving yards with six for 58. To counter, future Hall-of-Famer Adrian Peterson took the bulk of the carries for Washington, totaling 76 yards for the day. He also grabbed an important touchdown to get the Redskins on the board in the first half.

Before a knee injury took Derrius Guice out of the game, the second-year running back had 42 yards off just five carries, including a nice 23-yard breakout run. The Redskins’ medical staff ruled him out after he took a shot directly to his knee. Better safe than sorry.

In the receiving game, neither side stood out because of the poor passing numbers. However, emerging rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin led both teams (aside from Jones) with four receptions for 57 yards and a stellar touchdown grab.

A Day for Defense

Sunday’s game between the Redskins and Packers proved to be one of the purest, “real” football games of the season. With little-to-no passing game, each team stuck with the running game. And that made sure both sides’ defenses were on their toes.

Image Courtesy of USA TODAY Sports.

Green Bay’s defense let up just 262 total yards, while their counterparts allowed 341. Middle linebacker Blake Martinez took control of the defensive front for the Packers, totaling 10 tackles and a pass deflection. For Washington, rookie linebacker Cole Holecomb tallied the most tackles with nine, including eight solos. It was also a good day for tackling in each secondary, as Packers’ safety Adrian Amos and Redskins’ rookie cornerback Jimmy Moreland each finished with seven.

As each team made play after play, it became evident the Packers were in a better position to win. With their dominant run-game and poised defense, they made sure to stay ahead and limit the Redskins whenever possible. A win for Green Bay moves them to 10-3 on the season, while Washington drops out of contention.

Featured Image Courtesy of USA TODAY Sports.

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