Redskins Embarrassed in Loss to Chargers
December 11, 2017
By Steve Thomas
The Washington Redskins played an all-around pathetic 60 minutes of football today in Southern California against the surging Los Angeles Chargers, ultimately losing by a score of 30 – 6. Quarterback Phillip Rivers had his way with a Redskins defense that simply could not stop Los Angeles in any meaningful way. The Redskins offense was similarly ineffective, failing to generate significant yardage against a defense that some thought had vulnerability, at least against the run, coming into today. With the loss, the Redskins are officially eliminated from playoff contention in a season that has at this point gone far astray from the high hopes the team and its fans had coming into week 1 and in the early portion of the season.
The first quarter started off about as bad as possible for the Redskins, as Washington was unable to stop, or even slow down, the Chargers passing game. The Chargers were able to drive down the field and kick a field goal on the opening drive of the game, with quarterback Phillip Rivers mixing a successful run game with completions to wide receivers Keenan Allen and Ty Williams. Conversely, the Redskins punted in their first possession after being unable to get much going in either the run or passing game. On their next possession, The Chargers proceeded to drive 90 yards, capped off by a Rivers – to Henry Hunter 8 yard touchdown. The defensive front 7 was seemingly could not get much of a push against the Los Angeles offensive line and the Washington secondary was unable to make a defensive play. The Chargers then kicked another field goal a short time later after Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins threw an interception on one of his worst passes of the season. The quarter ended with the Chargers up by a score of 13 – 0.
The Redskins did manage to finally get on the board in the 2nd quarter when Cousins led the team down the field for a touchdown pass to Vernon Davis. However, the Redskins defense continued to do absolutely nothing good and were unable to stop Los Angeles on essentially any drive in the first half. Star corner Josh Norman was badly beaten by receiver Ty Williams on a post route for a 75 yard touchdown. San Diego later tacked on another field goal, and the half ended with the Chargers once again near the Redskins goal line when rookie running back Austin Ekeler failed to go down in time to stop the clock before the end of the half. The score was 6 – 23 going into halftime.
The Chargers continued to pile it on in the third quarter, thanks to a 51 yard Rivers to Allen connection near the goal line, during which safety D.J. Swearinger bit on a flea flicker. Running back Melvin Gordon scored on a short run one play later. On the other side of the ball, Washington continued to do essentially nothing on offense, and the quarter ended with Los Angeles ahead 30 – 6.
The fourth quarter was quintessential “garbage time” for both teams, as the game was well out of reach for an anemic Redskins offense that remained completely stymied by the Chargers defense. Los Angeles pulled Phillip Rivers in favor backup quarterback Kellen Clemens. Washington’s only real highlight of the game came at Clemens’ expense when Redskins corner Bashaud Breeland intercepted Clemens at the 4 yard line and returned the ball for a 96 yard touchdown. The Chargers ultimately won the game 30 – 13.
Kirk Cousins had one of his worst games of the season, going 15 for 27 for 151 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. As a team, the Redskins rushed for 65 yards on 21 carries. Starting running back Samaje Perine was ineffective, with 17 carries for just 45 yards. Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder both had 3 receptions for 34 yards.
Safety D.J. Swearinger made damning comments to the media after the game regarding the Redskins preparation and practice habits, stating “It’s not surprising at all to me. At all. If you don’t prepare well, you’re gonna fail. I don’t think we prepare well. … And it’s all of us, players and coaches.”[1] After witnessing this game, it is hard to argue with him.
The Redskins next face the Arizona Cardinals at Fed Ex Field this coming Sunday. Despite the results of the last few weeks, Washington still has a chance to finish with a .500 record by winning their remaining three games.
[1] Source: https://www.yahoo.com/sports/d-j-swearinger-calls-redskins-preparation-blah-practices-says-losing-isnt-surprising-013132936.html