Washington Redskins: 3 Takeaways in Week 15 win over Jaguars

Josh Johnson was good

Johnson’s numbers weren’t eye-popping in today’s NFL. He passed for just 151 yards. However, for a guy who hasn’t started a game in the NFL in seven years and has been a part of numerous organizations throughout his journeyman career, it was an admirable performance against a good defensive unit.

Johnson made some mistakes. He took a bad sack in the first half after Ryan Kerrigan forced a fumble in Jacksonville territory. The sack pushed the Redskins out of field-goal range. He also had that fumble later in the game that his teammate recovered.

But there was much more good than bad for Johnson. He made some terrific throws, including a dime to tight end Vernon Davis late in the first half that Davis inexplicably dropped. Washington could’ve gotten into field-goal range and avoided punting just before the half. He hit Michael Floyd on a bullet in the second half for a critical third-down conversion.

Johnson’s legs created plenty of opportunities for this offense. It’s something head coach Jay Gruden will likely feature more in the season’s final two games. It would be a good question for Gruden as to why he didn’t call more boots and pocket movement for Alex Smith while he was under center?

After kicker Dustin Hopkins hit the game-winning field goal as time expired, Johnson could be seen on the sideline, celebrating like a child on Christmas morning. The pure elation was the feel-good story this team needed after a tough few months.

Now, can Johnson win one — or two — more games?