Washington Redskins: Youth Shines in First Win of Season

The Washington Redskins entered Sunday against the New York Giants without a win. Thanks to the play of some of their youngest players, that changed.

Jamison Crowder, Quinton Dunbar, Su’a Cravens, and Dustin Hopkins. What do they all have in common? They’ve all got less than 20 games of NFL experience under their belts, and they all contributed to the Washington Redskins’ Week 3 win in a major way.

Related Story: Washington Redskins: Jamison Crowder Stepping Up On Offense

Up first is Crowder. The 23-year old wide receiver had four catches for 78 yards on the day. His biggest one being a 55-yard touchdown, straight running past the defense on his way.

That’s not it, however. He also had a big day returning punts. Ankles were broken by Crowder as he put the Redskins into scoring range. His long was a beautiful 50-yarder that was started with this dirty cut.

Next up is Dunbar. The 24-year-old cornerback first made noise on special teams.

First off, that’s an absolutely gorgeous throw by the punter, Tress Way. Second, Dunbar was a receiver in college. Due to this, solid ball skills shouldn’t be that surprising. Finally, the fact that this wasn’t his biggest play of the day speaks volumes to his impact on the outcome.

It wasn’t the biggest play of his day because this was.

That’s what we like to call hands (or hand). Again, Dunbar was a receiver in college at Florida. This was a must-win game and the Redskins defense needed to do something here. Badly. A field goal would’ve given the Giants the lead in the fourth quarter and they were easily in range. Dunbar put a stop to that.

Then there’s Cravens. The rookie linebacker has impressed already this year. Cravens recored three tackles, and the game-clinching interception. With barely one minute left in the game, the Giants were driving. A field goal wins the game, and the Redskins fall to 0-3. You’re not expecting the 21-year-old linebacker to make the big play. But that’s just what Cravens did.

Dude’s a playmaker.

Finally, there’s the kicker, Hopkins. The 25-year old entered the game 6-for-6 on the year. He went 5-for-5, recording 17 points on the day. He’s now the only kicker in the NFL with 10-or-more made field goals on the year. Hopkins also leads all NFL kickers in points scored with 38.

I know that kickers are expected to make their field goals, but it’s a lot harder than it sounds (I once nailed a 24-yarder, so I know what I’m talking about). To go 5-for-5 on any day is impressive, especially when one was from 45 yards and another was from 49.

Related Story: Washington Redskins: Su'a Cravens Impressing Early On

The Redskins now charge into week four against the Cleveland Browns with a 1-2 record. While that may not be the most ideal record, they’ve got some momentum on their side now. A win next Sunday will put them in the “full steam ahead” category. If the youth contributes next week like they did this week, I see that win happening.