Jordan Reed once again proved he's one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL against the Dolphins, recording seven receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.

Jordan Reed knew there would be mismatches all day for him against the Dolphins, and when he was asked to make plays, the third-year tight end responded.

Reed served as the perfect security blanket for quarterback Kirk Cousins – making his first start since Week 7 last season – as he recorded seven receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.

There were even a few plays in which he was the team's go-to target from the start.

"We always got a couple packages that we're gonna run," Reed said after the game. "I got a lot of routes where I'm the main guy, so if it's there and the coverage is there for it, then take it."

Reed would put the Redskins on top in the second half, capping off an impressive 17-drive with an even more impressive touchdown reception.

Motioned out wide for a 1-on-1 matchup with Dolphins safety Reshad Jones, Reed used his two-inch and 19-pound advantage to muscle him off and leap up into the air for a touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone.

Mobbed by his teammates in celebration, it was just another example of how effective Reed can be when his number is called.

"I felt good," Reed said. "One-hundred percent healthy and I was excited to be out there for the first time with my guys and felt good."

While the offense ended up extending the Redskins' lead to 10, they would ultimately lose 17-10, unable to generate any points in the second half.

"The second half when we came out we just kind of backed up," Reed said. "We were still driving well it was just penalties that hurt us and that's what happened."

The Redskins were called for 11 penalties for a total of 88 yards on the day. On one drive in particular in the third quarter, they flag flew four times for 29 yards.

"Self-inflicted wounds," Reed said. "We were driving on them all day and running the ball well. Kirk had a great game it was just some penalties that kept backing us up every time we were in the zone."

While Reed proved to be a valuable asset in the season opener, he's not fully satisfied with his performance.

"I got a lot of stuff I have to work on," he said. "So when I get back there on Monday, I'm going to be in the film room and see what I could have done better on that last play and things like that."

A game like this, one that was so close to being secured before slipping away, leaves Reed motivated for next Sunday's matchup with the Rams.

"It gets you more fired up for the next game," Reed said of losing. "Knowing we were so close and its possible to win games and its possible to do well out there it gives you confidence. You just got to work hard."

RELATED LINKS:
--Jackson, Ihenacho Leave Opener With Injuries
--PHOTOS: Redskins Take On The Dolphins

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