The Washington Redskins' first-team offense got its second test of the 2015 season Thursday vs. the Lions. Here's how each drive went for Washington.
FIRST DRIVE:
Like their first preseason game against the Browns, the Redskins began the game with their offense on the field after the opening kickoff was downed for a touchback by Chris Thompson.
Led by quarterback Robert Griffin III, the Redskins called three straight run plays for Alfred Morris, the middle of which was the most successful, a 9-yard first down run following right guard Brandon Scherff that was cleared open with some reinforcement from fullback Darrel Young.
On 2nd and 11, after Morris lost a yard on another carry, Griffin III dropped back but couldn't find his initial read. The offensive line couldn't hold the Lions attack and Griffin III was sacked in the backfield forcing a 3rd and 21 from their own 20.
Getting rid of the ball quickly, Griffin III dumped a screen pass on the left side for Andre Roberts, who ran the ball up the sideline for four yards. The offense left the field, forced to punt.
SECOND DRIVE:
After the Lions connected on a field goal in their first drive, offensive coordinator Sean McVay switched up his run-heavy opening play calls, letting Griffin III have three stabs to pass the ball.
With running back Chris Thompson in the game, Griffin III began a play action fake and tried to connect to Pierre Garçon over the middle but his pass was knocked down. A similar play followed, this time in the shotgun, and succeeded for a 4-yard gain from Garçon.
On a 3rd and 6 from the Redskins 24 yard-line, Griffin III, again in shotgun, found Andre Roberts open on out-route to the left but sailed his pass just out of his reach, bringing on the punt team after three plays.
THIRD DRIVE:
Running back Matt Jones entered the backfield after the Redskins defense forced the Lions to punt. Pinned in their own 8 yard-line, Jones took his first handoff at FedExField but couldn't gain anything to the right side.
His number was called the next play and he found a hole through the middle, pummeling his way after some contact for eight yards.
On 3rd and 2, Griffin III stood in shotgun and looked to his right in the pocket. His blindside was unprotected and Lions defensive end Phillip Hunt grabbed Griffin III's right arm in the midst of throwing, forcing an incompletion and another three-and-out.
FOURTH DRIVE (Second Quarter):
Because of three short drives, Griffin III and the first team offense took the field again to try to find a rhythm. After an illegal shift penalty, Matt Jones rushed for three yards, which was followed by a sack, forcing another quick third down.
Facing a 3rd and 16 from the Redskins' own 14, Griffin III dropped back to pass and quickly moved up into the pocket looking to run. As he began to stride to his right, he dropped the ball and quickly dove to recover it.
While on the ground, Lions defensive end Corey Wooton collided with Griffin III and defensive end Darryl Tapp recovered the loose ball. As the Lions celebrated the turnover, Griffin III remained down on the field.
He stayed there for a few minutes as the training staff examined him. Eventually he was helped up and walked off the field with the help of a couple teammates.
He was later listed as out for the remainder of the game.
KEY STATS:
- First downs: 1
- Total yards: 9
- Turnovers: 1
- Time of possession: 7:48
- Third downs: 0-for-4
- Total plays: 15
- Average gain per play: 0.6 yards
Passing:
- Griffin III completed 2-of-5 passes for 8 yards
Rushing:
- Morris had 3 rushing attempts for 10 yards, a long of 9
- Jones had 3 rushing attempts for 11 yards, a long of 8
Receiving:
- Roberts had one reception for 4 yards
- Garçon had one reception for 4 yards
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