Once again, exciting game but we came out on the short end this week.  I didn’t expect to win this game as it was against a tough divisional opponent on the road.  I did expect to be competitive and that’s what we were yesterday.  However, it is disappointing how the game finished.  Here are my grades:

 1.      Offense:  B plus – It starts with RG3.  Again, another great game by this kid.  Yes, he had the INT and fumble but without him we wouldn’t have been even close.  He was good in both his passes and runs and he is proving to be one of the best QBs in the league which is pretty remarkable given that he is a rookie.  I keep waiting for the clunker game but it hasn’t happened yet and hopefully he can continue his strong play. Thought Morris was solid again.  This guy is a strong runner and it’s pretty impressive to see him hit people and drag 2 or 3 guys before he is taken down.  O line was solid especially in the run game.  WRs were solid.  No real superstars but everyone seems to pitch in and contribute.  Good to see Santana play well until the fumble at the end.

2.      Defense: C minus – The run defense has been good all year and yesterday was no exception.  Nice to see them get a couple of INTs.  What brings this group down is the pass defense.  They were okay throughout the game until the deep ball to Cruz.  What the heck was that?!!!  If there is one thing a DB in ankle biter football is taught in that situation is DO NOT LET THE WR GET BEHIND YOU!  I assume the defensive play call was sound and Madieu Williams got caught out of position but that is unacceptable.  It cost us the game.  Not much more to say than that.  I am not thrilled with Josh Wilson either.  He is okay but he always seems to be stumbling. 

3.      Special Teams: B – Kickoff and coverage teams were fine.  However, Forbath was great on FGs.  He hit a couple of 45 yarders and looks pretty confident and sharp out there. 

4.      Coaching: B – Offensively, I have no complaints.  I loved the mix of run and pass.  I thought our first drive was nearly perfect as we ate up a lot of clock and drove the length of the field.  Unfortunate we couldn’t get a TD and had to settle for a FG.  Still, K. Shanny does a great job of utilizing RG3’s talents and putting him in positions to be successful.  Special Teams seem to have stabilized after some early season struggles.  Defense is okay.  Again, run defense has been good.  Pass rush is okay but pass coverage and particularly giving up big plays is a problem.  Not sure how much the Cruz play is Haslett’s/Morris’ fault as it is personnel (namely Williams) fault but this has been an ongoing problem.  Clearly we have some personnel issues with the secondary that need to be addressed.  It is a bit frustrating but it should also not come as a huge surprise as we knew that this group would be an issue going into the season.

In the end, I was okay with the game.  I never expected huge things this season.  I have long maintained that I wanted to be around .500 but be consistent and show improvement this season.  I also wanted to see RG3 grow and we are seeing all of these things.  This loss sucks but I feel like for the first time in a long time we have reason to be encouraged.  We seem to have found a superstar at QB that we can build around.  Offensively we are strong (thanks in large part to RG3 and his skill and ability to make everyone around him better).  Special teams has always been solid.  Defensively we are strong against the run and have good, young players there that should help.  If we can fortify/strengthen the pass defense, we have a chance to be a very strong team.

HTTR!!!