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Washington Redskins: 3 Big takeaways from loss vs. Texans in Week 11

By Bryan Manning

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins drops back for a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins drops back for a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

1. Colt McCoy Can Run This Offense

McCoy has been with the Redskins since Jay Gruden took over as head coach back in 2014. To say he’s familiar with the offense would be a massive understatement. But that doesn’t always guarantee success. However, the Redskins felt comfortable enough with McCoy to give him a new deal with a pay raise to remain behind Smith who signed a lucrative four-year extension upon arriving in Washington.

When the Redskins were still trying to figure out who was better between Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III, it was McCoy who proved to be better in 2014. He won over his teammates and the coaching staff, unfortunately, a neck injury ended his season and his chances at staking his claim to the starting quarterback position eventually won by Cousins.

McCoy is a bit of gunslinger who will take plenty of chances down the field despite an average arm. He is unafraid of looking for the big play and will sometimes hold onto the ball too long, resulting in unnecessary sacks. That is something he must manage now that this is his job.

The Redskins were better this year because of an improved defense and running game. Adrian Peterson has been terrific in Washington’s wins and Gruden must continue to establish him. It will make McCoy’s job much easier.

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While Smith’s injury is devastating because he’s a great guy and teammate, he wasn’t playing spectacularly well in his first season in Washington. McCoy offers this team a higher ceiling because he will take chances. That may cause more turnovers, but it will also lead to more points. And if the defense can get back to playing the way it was, this team can still win the NFC East.

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