Video: The Redskins go to 4 and 6 with a dominant performance from RGIII. The team has a quick turnaround this week as they look towards the Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Getting defensive gain
Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick didn’t make the trip after suffering a concussion during the team’s previous game against Dallas. Eagles rookie quarterback Nick Foles (40.5 passer rating) held the ball too long and misfired often. That’s what most quarterbacks do in their first start.
Under the circumstances, it wasn’t surprising that the Redskins limited the Eagles to 257 net yards. The Eagles converted only 37 percent of their third-down attempts. Still, it was clear that Meriweather helped in his season debut.
Meriweather, sidelined by a left knee injury until Sunday, picked off Foles in the first quarter and was solid in run support before suffering a right knee injury early in the third quarter. With Washington facing Dallas on Thursday, Meriweather played it safe and sat out the rest of the game.
He didn’t appear rusty after the long layoff, which was an encouraging development for a battered secondary in need of good news.
Still behind Shanahan
After Shanahan’s foot-in-mouth moment, some Redskins observers in the media wondered whether Shanahan had lost the locker room.
Judging from the way guys were hustling on offense and defense, the Redskins have not given up on the season — or their coach. You just can’t fake blocking as effectively or hitting as hard as the Redskins did throughout the game.
In improving to 6-15 at FedEx with Washington, Shanahan won a game by more than 14 points for the first time. Perhaps he can build on this.
Grading Garcon
Wide receiver Pierre Garcon was back in the lineup after missing most of the season because of a toe problem. It appears he’s still in no condition to contribute.
Garcon wasn’t able to break free from coverage and finished with three catches for only five yards. If the Redskins hope to use Garcon as a decoy, they’ll have to convince opponents that Garcon is actually ready to play.
The takeaway
Griffin changed the conversation as only he can. The Redskins remained relevant in their weak division and would move into second place with a victory at Dallas on Thursday. Who knows how long the Redskins’ sunshine will last? But at least the clouds are gone for the moment.
For previous columns by Jason Reid, visit washingtonpost.com/reid.
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