Revitalized Eagles Offense, Defense Foils Griffin III’s Return

By Jack Minchew

LANDOVER, MD – On Monday, September 9th, in an eagerly anticipated matchup on national TV, the Washington Redskins fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 33-27.
The Eagles, led by new coach Chip Kelly, debuted a fast moving offense that seemed to utterly confuse the aging Redskins defense. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick seemed to thrive on the new high-powered offense, and completed 15 out of 25 passing attempts while throwing for 203 yards, driving the Eagles to a 26-7 lead at halftime. The only bright spot for an otherwise porous Redskins defense came with 11:54 left in the first quarter, when second year Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan deflected a Vick pass, which was recovered and returned for a Redskins touchdown by Deangelo Hall.
One of the most anticipated storylines of the game was the return of Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, who was injured in the final game of the last season. Griffin underwent reconstructive knee surgery over the summer and missed all of the Redskins’ preseason games, entering this match-up without any in-game experience since the injury.
Questions abounded as to whether Griffin had recovered enough to play, but the 2013 Rookie of the Year shrugged them off, stating, “I would say I’m 100 percent, but you can’t put a number on it” in a pregame press-conference.  Griffin did not look 100 percent, however, throwing 2 interceptions and missing numerous open targets downfield.
Griffin received no help from fellow second year player, running back Alfred Morris. Morris, who was the second leading rusher last season, was held to only 45 yards on 12 carries, and fumbled the ball in the end zone, leading to a 1st quarter Eagles safety.
In the second half, the Redskins offense was more successful, storming back with 20 unanswered points to close the gap to a touchdown, before succumbing to the pressure of the Eagles defense and the lack of time and losing 33-27.
The Redskins went on the road the following week, traveling to Green Bay to face the defending NFC North Champion Packers on September 15th. Once again, the Redskins were defeated, this time with a final score of 20-38.