Redskins vs Vikings Gameday thread

[Grimm_Reaper]

I just joined and figured I'd give my thoughts on this game in my first post.

First, RG3 did great considering his time out of the loop. His stride with Alfred Morris was exciting. His deep throws to Desean Jackson were equally so. I was seeing flashes of 2012 and I'm sure I wasn't the only long term Skins fan to do so. He led the offense to 26 points against a staunch Vikings defense and I could see improvements in his play compared to the Houston game and last year. He threw an interception which lead to the Vikings gaining momentum into the second half. Momentum is huge, especially in a close game. He also under-threw on a drive that could've led us to a shot at victory, when it mattered most. These are things that even the greatest quarterbacks do from time to time. I won't say he's going to be a great quarterback, and I won't go so far as saying he is without question our franchise quarterback. But, given that he was out for as long as he was, and coming off an injury no less, I think blaming him solely for this loss would be willfully ignorant to the entire scheme of things.

This is the NFL though. You are paid -millions- to perform when you need to. That means on 4th down on a drive that you absolutely must execute to win. That means not throwing that interception that turns the tides of the game. Quarterbacks get all the glory and fame and praise in the world when they win, mostly undeservedly. So why, on the flip side, wouldn't they be accused and blamed and questioned for when they don't, even if again, undeservedly. Robert needs to reflect long and hard. He needs to be putting in 120% effort the rest of the season and buckle down. He mentioned a repeat of 2012 when we were 3-6 in the post game conference. If he wants any credibility as a NFL quarterback, he needs to live up to that as best he can.

I feel enough has been addressed as to Haslett and our Defense.

I will say though, I am very confident in Jay Gruden. He has his head in the right place. He's improving as a coach with every game, and we need a franchise coach as much as we need a franchise quarterback. Though I'm too cynical to believe Daniel Snyder's not trying to pull the strings as best he can.