Skins Blow Late Lead, Fall to Jets

Much like last week's win over Seattle, the Redskins started the game versus the Jets off with a bang, scoring an opening drive touchdown. Unlike last week's win over Seattle, the Redskins offense reverted back to its old self that we'd come to see during the six game losing streak. After the touchdown, all the Skins could manage were turnovers and field goals as they blew a late lead, losing to the Jets 34-19.

The Redskins started the game on the right foot for the second week in a row, looking like an actual professional football team with an eight play, 82 yard drive, capped off with a Roy Helu touchdown run from two yards out. Most Skins fans knew this was probably too good to be true, especially after the Jets first possession also resulted in a long touchdown drive. In what was probably the longest drive the defense has given up this year, the Jets took nine minutes off the clock after marching down the field in 17 plays. The teams traded field goals through the rest of the second quarter, with the Skins taking a 13-10 halftime lead. The Jets tied it in the third, then Washington took another three point lead halfway through the fourth. Following the go-ahead field goal, Washington gave up a quick five-play touchdown drive, capped by a Santonio Holmes 30 yarder. In true 2011 Redskins fashion, the drive following the Jets touchdown resulted in a Rex Grossman fumble, and then a Shonn Greene touchdown two plays later. The Skins would add another field goal, but then Greene scored again and Grossman threw an interception on the Skins' final possession. Typical.

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Grossman finished the game completing only 19 of his 46 pass attempts for 221 yards and the interception. That's a completion percentage of 41 for those who didn't feel like doing the match, which is terrible for a NFL starting quarterback. His leading target was once again Fred Davis, who hauled in six passes for 99 yards. Santana Moss, in his second game back from injury, added 42 yards on five catches, though half of those yards came on one play. Roy Helu was the most productive of all the Redskins offensively, contributing 142 total yards and a touchdown. As the only Redskin carrying the ball, he ran 23 times for 100 yards, and then added 42 receiving yards on four catches. He did lose a fumble in the first half though. After much scrutiny surrounding his job at place kicking, Graham Gano converted on all his opportunities, making all four of his field goal attempts with a long of 46.

The defense kept the Jets at bay for most of the game, and with the exception of the last two touchdowns which were the result of turnovers, played pretty well throughout the game. London Fletcher showed he's still got something left in the tank, as he flew around the field for 17 tackles. Rookie Ryan Kerrigan continues to have a strong season, adding six tackles to his total from the outside linebacker position. The defense didn't record any sacks and didn't get after Mark Sanchez all that much, only recording one hit on him. Perry Riley recovered a fumble, the defense's only takeaway.

While the Skins are staying at home for next week's game, the opponent doesn't get any easier. Tom Brady and the high-powered New England Patriots are coming to town. The Pats are coming off a closer than expected game against the Colts; they only won by seven. The last time the Redskins played the Patriots, New England won 52-7. A similar result can unfortunately be expected if the Washington offense can't figure itself out for four quarters.

By Matthew Dagen
ProFootball-fans.com Washington Redskins Correspondent