Smoot Lays the Smack Down (Redskins vs. Rams)

[Dirtbag59]

As always John Keim with great reporting on the football side of things.

7. Oh, Rex, Rex, Rex. Before we put any blame on him for the interception, we must say this: Santana Moss and Hightower both dropped passes that would have resulted in first downs and more in the fourth quarter. And Grossman had a couple nice throws, including the TD to Moss in which they worked the wide side of the field well.

The play in which he was picked off by James Laurinaitis is one they use a lot. And the play-action typically opens a seam for the pass to Moss. But Laurinaitis had the speed to make up for being sucked in by the fake. And Grossman forced the ball, maybe because that play has worked so often – especially from their own end of the field -- and he just expected it to work again. But it was a very poor decision. Can’t blame Grossman for his first interception (it bounced off Moss’ hands), but this one at this time in the game was terrible.

I wish the Redskins had come out running a little bit. Finish it off strong with some power. But they started the game this way, too, feeling they could suck up the Rams with play action and hurt them deep. Didn’t work then either. Grossman got away with two other passes that could have, or should have, been picked. What’s the credo? Never throw back to the middle of the field when rolling out? Plays like this are why some scouts/experts think he’ll never change. Those plays are about a mindset, not a system. I know other quarterbacks make bad plays, but this happens a couple times every game. But let’s not start calling for John Beck just yet. The Redskins are 3-1 and Beck’s decision making in his final two preseason starts wasn’t the best, either. For the time being this is Grossman’s team.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: Ten observations: Redskins 17, Rams 10 | John Keim | NFL | Washington Examiner