Well, that sure was something, wasn’t it?
The Washington Redskins fell to the New York Giants, 41-35, in overtime, as rookie QB Daniel Jones threw a game-winning touchdown pass — his fifth of the day — on the first drive in overtime.
If you’d like to focus on the positives, this is a highly beneficial loss for the Redskins, as it likely vaults them into the No. 2 spot for the 2020 NFL Draft, giving them a chance at selecting DE Chase Young out of Ohio State, who is said to be a generational talent.
A victory seemed to be in doubt for much of the game, as neither defense could do anything to stop the opposing offense. However, with QB Dwayne Haskins injured, backup QB Case Keenum led a 99-yard touchdown drive that tied the game with 29 seconds left. From there, the game went into OT, and the Giants walked away victorious. Here are our biggest takeaways from the game.
Haskins Gives Washington a Scare
After putting together undoubtedly the best first half of his NFL career, Dwayne Haskins made the Redskins fanbase collectively hold their breath on Sunday as he went down in what looked like extreme pain on the first play of the third quarter.
Haskins — who was sacked and had his ankle hit on both sides — was carted off the field and appeared to be very frustrated. He later walked back to the sideline while holding his helmet, but was declared doubtful to return. Backup QB Case Keenum played the rest of the game under center.
In the first two quarters, Haskins looked like a game-changer for the Redskins, as he completed his first 11 passes of the game. He ended the half going 12-for-15 for 133 yards and two touchdowns — a stat line that is better than most complete games the rookie has had so far this season. There have been small signs here and there all season that have shown Haskins’ steady growth, but they appeared to culminate in the first two quarters on Sunday before the injury took place.
Luckily, Haskins looked to plead his case to trainers on the sideline, hoping to get back into the game. The training staff smartly held him out, ensuring his future with the team. After Sunday, it looks like a future that is worth taking care of.
Steven Sims is a Legit Offensive Weapon
Sims also had the best game of his career on Sunday, where he finished the game with 6 catches and 64 yards to go along with two touchdowns. The Redskins have slowly but surely figured out how to use Sims in more than just special teams, and it’s proven to be highly effective.
All credit goes to offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, who has seemingly unlocked the undrafted rookie’s talent. Through a mix of misdirection, reverses, screenplays, and quick routes, the Redskins have found a way to get Sims the ball in space and allow him to go to work. While many believe that Washington could do well to add a top-end WR to the receiving corp this year in the 2020 NFL Draft, Sims’ play may encourage them to look elsewhere, perhaps to the defense, which is in major need.
The Redskins Defense is Unbelievably Awful
It’s hard to find words to describe just how bad the Redskins defense was on Sunday. Granted, they haven’t been this bad all season, but for a single game, it was quite possibly one of the worst performances of the season.
Due to many injuries, including having starters like Quinton Dunbar, Ryan Kerrigan, and Fabian Moreau out, a whole host of players who has rarely seen the field was seeing ample playing time in Washington. Check out this lineup that the Redskins trotted onto the field:
Redskins corners on the field: Aaron Colvin, Kayvon Webster, Coty Sensabaugh.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 22, 2019
Who?
It culminated in the Giants having a stellar offensive day, where they put up 41 points. Rookie QB Daniel Jones finished the day with 5 touchdowns and 352 yards on 28-of-42 throwing, and RB Saquon Barkley finally broke out of his shell in time for the fantasy football championships, totaling 279 yards and two touchdowns on the day. Things are obviously to get better as the offseason rolls around and players get healthier going into next season. The Redskins have a core of solid players on defense, but they looked anything but solid on Sunday.