Redskins Weekly News Roundup 12-16-2015
After a long hiatus, we will be getting back to normal here at HTTR4LIFE.com in the coming days. We’d like to kick that off with a Redskins week in review from the last 7 days. The team is coming together at the right time, and is currently in the driver’s seat of the NFC East title race.
Below is a collection of links from the top Redskins stories over the last week.
Redskins Weekly Stat Ranking Update: 12/15
Check out where the Washington Redskins rank statistically both as a team and individually through 14 weeks of the 2015 season.
Pierre Thomas Gets His First Taste Of The Redskins In Road Win
Signed on short notice last Friday, running back Pierre Thomas caught one pass on Sunday against the Bears as he continues his transition to a new team.
Washington Redskins’ failures in run game highlighted on first down – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
Three things to think about Washington returns to practice ahead of Sunday’s game against Buffalo.
Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins control fate, but Dallas Cowb – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
While the Redskins and Eagles — tied with the Giants for first in the division — each control their own destiny, 4-9 Dallas still has some hope.
Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins gets job done vs. Bears – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
Despite two questionable throws in Sunday’s win, Kirk Cousins continues to show he can lead the Redskins.
The Cooley Film Breakdown: Offense vs Chicago | ESPN 980
The Redskins offense was effective early and exciting in every way, good and bad, late. Here’s how they performed through the eyes of Chris Cooley.
Pierre Thomas Interview – ESPN 980
Film Breakdown: Cooley Examines Reed, Jackson And Jones
Chris Cooley breaks down several plays in the Redskins’ 24-21 victory over the Bears on Sunday, including a couple of Jordan Reed highlights.
Here is what you need to know on this Wednesday, December 16, four days before the Washington Redskins host the Buffalo Bills. Five early thoughts on Redskins vs. Bills —Don’t believe for a second that this game doesn’t really matter to the Redskins’ playoff chances.
Jordan Reed Saving Redskins From Tight End Debacle
With the Redskins’ tight end corps depleted by injuries, Rick Snider says Jordan Reed’s play-making ability is the centerpiece of the offense.
Jordan Reed emerging as one of NFL’s top tight ends – Richmond Times-Dispatch: Redskins XTRA
ASHBURN When Pro Bowl berths are dispensed, few Washington Redskins players seem as likely to get the call as tight end Jordan Reed, who has emerged as one of the NFL’s best at the position.
OPEN THREAD: Is Gruden finally comfortable criticizing Kirk Cousins? | CSN Mid-Atlantic
Earlier this season, it seemed Redskins coach Jay Gruden was hesitant to criticize Kirk Cousins. In the last two weeks, that’s changed.
Redskins face familiar hurdle and inconsistent Bills defense – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
Five questions facing the Washington Redskins as they prepare for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Bills’ Dareus says his team got too much hype | CSN Mid-Atlantic
The Redskins and Bills are both 6-7 going into Sunday’s game. But the mood in Washington is definitely upbeat this week while there is disappointment in the air in Buffalo.
Martrell Spaight Feeling Stronger Already Post-Concussion
While he only got a very small sampling of regular season NFL action, Martrell Spaight is healthy and using his time away to get stronger all while learning the schematics of Joe Barry’s defense.
DeSean Jackson’s Knee ‘All Right;’ Expects To Play
While there’s uncertainty about how much he will practice this week after suffering a knee injury against the Bears,DeSean Jackson believes he’ll be ready to go for Sunday’s game against the Bills.
Tight end Derek Carrier tore ACL, MCL in right knee against Bears – Washington Times
Carrier’s season is over after injuring his right knee in the Redskins’ 24-21 win against the Bears on Sunday. He is the third tight end on the Redskins’ roster to sustain a season-ending injury this season.
Video Highlights: Alex Smith
Take a look back at the highlights of 11-year tight end Alex Smith, who signed with the Washington Redskins on Tuesday.
Gruden wants better pass rush from Redskins | CSN Mid-Atlantic
Jay Gruden is impressed with the way the back end his defensive unit is playing but he wants to see more of a push up front.
Redskins QB Kirk Cousins cuts down picks, but must learn from Sunday – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
Kirk Cousins has thrown fewer interceptions of late, but he did throw one Sunday against the Bears and it was a costly one.
Redskins LB Kerrigan’s strong second half draws praise from Gruden | CSN Mid-Atlantic
After a sluggish start, Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan is returning to form
Terrance Knighton: ‘I Made Sure They Regretted It’
Facing off against some of his former coaches, Redskins nose tackle Terrance Knighton had one of best games of the season against the Bears and even got his first full sack.
Reed: “We Finally Got That Road Win”
Washington Redskins Tight End Jordan Reed spoke following Sunday’s 24-21 win against the Chicago Bears.
After breaking one negative trend, Redskins aim for another – Richmond Times-Dispatch: Redskins XTRA
Having finally won a game on the road, Redskins offensive lineman Trent Williams was asked if his team felt a sense of relief.
Need to Know: Do the Redskins have enough of a running game to get by? | Rich Tandler’s Real Redskins
Here is what you need to know on this Tuesday, December 15, five days before the Washington Redskins host the Buffalo Bills. Final thoughts on Redskins vs.
Washington Redskins’ options at tight end limited, but quest continues – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
After losing Derek Carrier for the season, Washington will conduct a workout Tuesday in hopes of finding a tight end to complement starter Jordan Reed.
Conditions Were A Factor, But Dustin Hopkins Came Through
While his Bears counterpart missed a potential game-tying field goal with less than two minutes left, Dustin Hopkinsweathered tough conditions to kick what was the game-winning score.
Redskins Set Sights On Buffalo Bills
With today’s matchup against the Chicago Bears now in the rear-view mirror, the Washington Redskins now turn their attention to the AFC East’s Buffalo Bills.
The Morning After: A Little Luck Never Hurt | ESPN 980
DeSean Jackson, Derek Carrier headline injury report – Richmond Times-Dispatch: Redskins XTRA
CHICAGO – Redskins tight end Derek Carrier injured his knee early in Sunday’s game, once again forcing Washington to use offensive linemen in the position.
5 Takeaways: Redskins Defeat The Bears
Here’s five takeaways from the Washington Redskins’ 24-21 road victory over the Chicago Bears Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Matt Jones, Redskins avoid disaster in fourth quarter on near-turnover – Washington Times
Jones reeled in an 18-yard reception after it deflected off of tight end Jordan Reed’s hands. Jones, thinking the play was over, placed the football on the ground and scrambled to pick it up before the Bears grabbed it.
Jordan Reed again proves himself as difference-maker in Redskins’ offense – Washington Times
Reed caught nine passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s win against the Chicago Bears to help the Redskins to their first road victory of the season. As he always does, he created mismatches and was difficult to cover.
The Redskins picked up their first road victory of the season, responding well after a brutal loss on a short week.
Redskins edge Bears to maintain first place – Richmond Times-Dispatch: Redskins XTRA
CHICAGO — There was a cringe-inducing interception, a near-catastrophic fumble and enough missed opportunities to last a season. There also was a victory.
Here is what you need to know on this Monday, December 14, six days before the Washington Redskins host the Buffalo Bills. Notes and numbers from Redskins 24, Bears 21 —The Redskins broke a nine-game road losing streak with the win.
Tipping point: Matt Jones saves Redskins’ pass with heady play – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
Matt Jones made the play of game — and almost followed it with the biggest mistake of the game — to help Washington hold on for victory.
Redskins TE Carrier to have MRI | CSN Mid-Atlantic
Just back from one injury, Redskins TE Derek Carrier now has to deal with another one.
Redskins-Bears stats to know: Cousins, Kerrigan in esteemed company | CSN Mid-Atlantic
CSN researcher Rich Goldberg brings you five stats to know following the Redskins win over the Bears, including Kirk Cousins’ milestone day.
Redskins players happy with win, but want to be better amid push for playoffs – Washington Times
The Redskins beat the Bears, 24-21, for their first road win of the season. For inside linebacker Will Compton and the rest of the team, they know they need to be better than they were on Sunday as they push to make the playoffs.
CHICAGO – With the Redskins clinging to a three-point lead, the Chicago Bears had third-and-10 from the Washington 41 midway through the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game.
Redskins playoff scenarios—Resting the starters in Dallas? | CSN Mid-Atlantic
With three games to play, the Redskins’ playoff picture is clear in some ways but quite muddled in others. Tandler tries to sort it all out.
Jordan Reed gives Kirk Cousins, Redskins big target – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
Redskins tight end Jordan Reed gives opponents matchup problems and provides Kirk Cousins with a reliable target.
Third down conversions vital in Redskins’ win | CSN Mid-Atlantic
The Redskins were off of their game on third down over the past few weeks. Fortunately they found it during their win over the Bears.
Redskins must improve at details – ESPN Video
If the Redskins want to stay in the NFC East race until the end, they must learn from some breakdown in details against Dallas.
Jay Gruden One Of 2015’s Best Strategic Decision-Makers
In a new ESPN article, head coach Jay Gruden ranks fourth among his peers in how he handles strategic decision-making during games.
5 Takeaways: Dec. 9 Kirk Cousins Presser
Here’s five takeaways from Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins’ Dec. 9 press conference at Redskins Park in Loudoun County, Va.
Redskins recognize pass rush must improve, even with two defensive linemen down – Washington Times
The Redskins rank 25th in the NFL in sacks, and their insistence upon improving the pass rush this week will take a hit with Stephen Paea already out because of a toe injury and Jason Hatcher reeling.
Joe Barry talks about the challenges of the Bears’ offense | CSN Mid-Atlantic
Redskins defensive coordinator Joe Barry looked ahead to the team’s next opponent, the Chicago Bears.
Need to Know: Predicting how the Redskins will finish the season | Rich Tandler’s Real Redskins
Here is what you need to know on this Friday, December 11, two days before the Washington Redskins play the Bears in Chicago. How will the Redskins finish the season? With the Redskins headed into the last quarter of the season, it’s time to break out the $100 in imaginary casino chips and b…
Several ties bind Redskins, Bears – Richmond Times-Dispatch: Redskins XTRA
The Redskins-Bears series isn’t played often, but the two teams both have rich histories dating back to the NFL’s early days.
Washington Redskins’ road woes must end for playoff hopes to stick – Washington Redskins Blog- ESPN
The Redskins must play three of their last four games on the road starting Sunday in Chicago; not an ideal setup for a team that’s 0-5 away from home.
Redskins aim to avoid franchise record for road futility | CSN Mid-Atlantic
The Redskins hope to avoid making history in Chicago.
Redskins defense improving as season enters homestretch – Richmond Times-Dispatch: Redskins XTRA
ASHBURN — When the Redskins were struggling to generate takeaways early in the season, nose tackle Terrance Knighton said there was no need to panic, because they’d come eventually.
Santana Moss on Jamison Crowder: ‘He just has it, man’ | CSN Mid-Atlantic
Santana Moss has been watching the Redskins closely this year, and one rookie WR has especially caught his eye.
Cooley’s Film Room: Matt Jones Steamrolls for 9yds
Chris Cooley breaks down one of Matt Jones‘ rushes in the Dallas Cowboys game on Monday Night Football.
Jay Cutler and the Bears do not have a great offense, but they have enough to threaten the Redskins.
Redskins sign veteran running back Pierre Thomas | CSN Mid-Atlantic
The Redskins have not been able to run the ball effectively for most of the season. Will adding Pierre Thomas help that?
Santana Moss talks Gibbs, Zorn, Shanahan and Gruden | CSN Mid-Atlantic
Santana Moss played for four coaches during his time in D.C., and in a discussion with CSNMA, he opened up about his favorites.
Throwback Thursday: DeAngelo Hall’s Historic Day Vs. Jay Cutler
For today’s Throwback Thursday moment presented by Subway, Redskins.com looks back at DeAngelo Hall’s four-interception game against Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler in 2010.
Redskins Feel The Pressure, But Remain Positive
While the Redskins are down following their loss to the Cowboys, they’re far from out as they remain in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East with four games remaining.
Chris Thompson’s status uncertain against Bears after tearing labrum – Washington Times
Thompson tore his labrum in Monday’s game against the Cowboys. Coach Jay Gruden said the team is concerned about his availability for Sunday, but that the running back could possibly play through…
