The Washington Redskins picked up their first win of the season Sunday afternoon, defeating the Miami Dolphins by a score of 17-16. Here are some important statistics from the Week 6 victory:
RB Adrian Peterson (23 carries, 118 yards, 5.1 avg)
After recording just 112 yards from scrimmage through the first five weeks of the season, Peterson put together his top performance of the 2019 campaign rushing for 118 yards against the Dolphins. Coming into the game, head coach Bill Callahan stressed he wanted to get Peterson into a rhythm early, and that's exactly what the game plan consisted of Sunday.
Peterson's 118-yard performance marked his first 100-plus-yard effort since Week 16 of the 2018 season at the Tennessee Titans. Additionally, the Redskins are now 8-1 when Peterson receives 17 or more rushing attempts.
WR Terry McLaurin (7 targets, 4 receptions, 100 yards, 25.0 avg, 2 touchdowns)
Although the Redskins offense has employed three quarterbacks through six weeks of the season, Terry McLaurin has remained highly productive. With his two-touchdown performance Sunday, the Redskins' 2019 third-round pick joined Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley as the only two wideouts since the turn of the century to record at least five receiving touchdowns in their first six-career games.
A known speedster, McLaurin's also showed meticulous route running that Callahan praised, saying his rookie's detailed routes are a "work of art." Already a two-time Pepsi Rookie Of The Week nominee, McLaurin is putting together an attractive resume for a larger accolade that hasn't been achieved since Robert Griffin III in 2012: Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Redskins Defense (2 INTs, 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble)
Led by safety Landon Collins and corner Quinton Dunbar, the Redskins defense limited the Miami quarterback tandem of Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick to a season-low 217 yards through the air.
Collins continued his high level of play, leading the defense with 12 tackles and recording his first sack of the season on a run blitz from the linebacker position. The play was a new wrinkle to Greg Manusky's defense, which allowed Collins to burst into the backfield in case of a run. When the play progressed into play action, Collins wrangled Rosen to the ground for an easy sack.
Dunbar came into Sunday's matchup ranked fifth among NFL defensive backs in performance grade, per Pro Football Focus, and the mark should improve after a big game against the Dolphins. Dunbar recorded his third interception of the season and totaled six tackles (five solo). The trio of picks have come in the past three weeks.
Jonathan Allen led the way upfront with recording two sacks, while fellow defensive linemen Matt Ioannidis and Treyvon Hester each had one. Tim Settle was used rotationally throughout the day, providing a burst of energy and strength along the line that was noticeable throughout the afternoon. The second-year defensive tackle has seen an increase in snaps, and his play Sunday could indicate an increased role moving forward.
