The Redskins didn’t clinch anything after their 27-20 win over the Eagles on Sunday, so their playoff situation remains simple: Beat Dallas and they clinch the NFC East and earn a first-round home game. They can even win the division by tying Dallas. But if the Redskins lose, they’ll need both Chicago (at Detroit) and Minnesota (home vs. Green Bay) to lose. Otherwise, they’ll be out of the postseason for the fifth straight year.
Offense: B+
The Redskins only gained 313 yards, but they also were limited because of Robert Griffin III’s sprained right knee. He was not the same run threat that he had been in his first 13 games. But Griffin still played an efficient game, and then some. He passed for 198 yards, including a pretty 22-yard touchdown pass to Santana Moss against a six-man rush. Running back Alfred Morris managed 91 yards on 22 carries and, with 1,413 yards this season, he’s now 104 yards from setting the franchise record for a single season. The receivers’ blocking was excellent Sunday, clearing the way for two touchdowns. The line did a solid job protecting Griffin in the pocket. Previous game's grade: A
Defense: B
The Redskins continue to give up yards and cause turnovers. They’re not a very good defense, but they’re doing well enough to help the Redskins win games. There are examples each week of opposing quarterbacks missing open receivers and it happened again Sunday (on the last drive).
But the defense keeps finding a way to change games and did so Sunday with two more turnovers and good red-zone defense. Linebacker London Fletcher intercepted a pass for a third straight game. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan forced a fumble recovered by Richard Crawford. Nose tackle Barry Cofield was disruptive. Previous game's grade: A-
Special teams: B
Kai Forbath set an NFL record with his 17th straight field goal to start his career. He makes it look easy as every kick seems headed right down the middle. More impressively, it’s not as if all these kicks are chip shots. Rather, 12 of them have been from 40 yards and beyond. Sunday, he kicked a 42-yarder into the wind and a 45-yarder. The coverage was good and punter Sav Rocca had a 53-yard punt from deep in his own territory in the second half. Crawford returned one punt for 20 yards, but Niles Paul’s kickoff returns didn’t do much, in part because of one hold that wiped out a long gain. Previous game's grade: B
Coaching: B+
The Redskins altered their game plan with Griffin still impacted by the sprained right knee. They had him carry once early in the game to show Philadelphia that he was still a threat, but the Eagles didn’t buy it and often ignored him on the zone read. But offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan helped Griffin by trying to slow the ends with a number of fake end-arounds. Shanahan adjusted to Philadelphia’s success defending the bubble screen with inside pursuit by sending receiver Joshua Morgan in motion on a play that ended up being a de facto bubble screen, but it enabled him to catch the ball in stride and get outside for an 11-yard touchdown catch-and-run. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett’s schemes confused Nick Foles enough to cause trouble and allow him to be sacked five times. His group caused two more turnovers, leading to 10 first-half points. But the Eagles still managed 20 points and 411 yards. Previous game's grade: A-
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter@CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.
