[SBXVII]

I was unable to actually see most of the game, but did get to listen to it on the radio. This is my take and perception:

1. OL was bad. could not create holes or running lanes.
2. Morris was rusty. team stuck with him for too long.
3. WR needed plays to help out RG3. curl and slant routes.
4. Defense took too long to adjust to opponent. 4th series they finally used stunts.
5. Script.

Ok, so I'll break it down now.
#1. If I'm the opponent and I know you are going to play your QB who was injured, then I'm thinking...there is a 80-90% chance you are not going to have him running the ball in the first game of the season. So although you might line up in the option...I doubt your going to have him run the ball. So that limits to him handing the ball off to a RB/FB or passing. So I'd plan on stacking the DL and rushing at you every play. (Same thing they used to do to Grossman which is why we picked up McNabb and finally RG3). I'd challenge you to get make the throws and hopefully not give you time enough to get someone open. EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. There were no run lanes cause they were blocked by the rushing DL.

#2. Morris had a bad game. It happens. I might have stuck Helu in for a couple of plays a lot sooner just to see if his "change of pace" would make the defense back off.

#3. Clearly with the defense rushing and forcing RG3 to pass or trying to he didn't have much time. The coaches should have started using 5 yrd curls, 5 yrd slants, and screen plays to slow the defense down and back them up.

#4. I did get to see the first 30 min. on TV. Personally with any film to study and not knowing what they were going to bring our D was going to have a difficult time. But I didn't think they were as bad as I've heard some people say they were. Even the radio announcers mentioned that around the 4th series our D finally started getting pressure cause of the stunts they were using. I was hoping and expecting our D to be on the sideline ready to change people out after every two plays in order to keep people fresh. But this requires the players to be standing on the sideline paying attention and ready to run on the field as soon as the whistle is blown and ready to run off the field as soon as the whistle is blown. There is no time to go sit on the bench.

#5. Almost every team scripts their first 20-30 plays. That usually takes them to halftime. I understand it didn't help that we had 3 turn overs in 7 plays, 1 INT., 1 fumble, and 1 fumble to a safety. However, if you see what the defense if doing and what they are not giving you ... you have to make adjustments. The Redskins didn't make adjustments until halftime in the 3rd quarter.

Having said all this I don't think our season is doomed or busted. Now we have some film on the Eagles. We know what they are planning to do and can adjust for it. Plus we don't see them again until week 11 which gives us more film to see and game plan for as well as see what other teams doing against them.