LANDOVER, Md. -- The Redskins suffered their third straight defeat to start the season Monday Night. Here are five takeaways from their 31-15 home loss to the Chicago Bears.
1. Third-Down Woes Continue
Converting on third down and stopping opponents on third downs have been significant issues for the Redskins through two games, and their struggles in these areas continued Monday Night.
Chicago converted on 70% of their third downs during a 28-point first half and finished the game 8-for-13 (63%) on these plays. Opponents are now converting third downs at a 63.4% clip. The next worst NFL team is the Miami Dolphins at 56.25%.
Offensively, the Redskins were 3-for-9 against the Bears, bringing their season conversion rate down to 32.3%.
2. Terry McLaurin Keeps Making Plays
With his third-quarter touchdown, third-round rookie Terry McLaurin achieved another milestone, joining former Redskins receiver Charlie Brown as the first Redskins rookie receiver since 1982 to record three receiving touchdowns in his first three NFL games. In need of a spark to start the second half, the Redskins turned to McLaurin. Despite an eerily quiet start, McLaurin finished with six receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.
3. Richardson Comes Alive; Sims Increases Workload
Paul Richardson enjoyed his best performance of the young season, tallying eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Elsewhere, undrafted free agent wideout Steven Sims received an ample amount of snaps on offense despite only recording two receptions for 24 yards. Sims also recorded a 45-yard kick return and was used as a decoy in multiple offensive sets during which he flashed across the backfield in jet sweep motion.
4. Rookie Class Carries Defense
The trio of linebacker Cole Holcomb, corner Jimmy Moreland, and edge defender Montez Sweat combined for 23 tackles (16 solo), with Sweat recording his first-career NFL sack on the Bears' first series. The production of the Redskins rookie class on both sides of the ball has impressed Gruden through three weeks, with multiple first-year Redskins becoming focal points on their respective side of the ball.
5. 'We've Got To Stick Together'
Head Coach Jay Gruden stressed postgame that his team has all the tools to succeed but needs to be much more consistent.
After a five-turnover performance (three interceptions and two lost fumbles) by quarterback Case Keenum, Gruden disregarded any talks on changing signal-callers for Sunday's game in New York.
In fact, Gruden said Keenum "has all the tools to become a very efficient quarterback in this offense to get us some victories here moving forward."
