There’s no doubt the Washington Redskins have been decimated with injuries, especially on offense and across it’s offensive line. Yet, with Josh Johnson at quarterback that has not stopped the Redskins’ offense from making plays when needed.
Saturday was no different, as the Redskins overcame two penalties, a sack, and a 2nd-and-27 from their own 2-yard line to complete a 17-play, 93-yard touchdown drive that lasted 10:58 in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans.
Trailing 6-3, the Redskins seemed to have momentum against them as Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard chased down Johnson for a 12-yard sack just outside of the end zone. Washington was facing a 2nd-and-27 from their own 2-yard line. Running back Adrian Peterson seemed to just get some breathing room, but he rumbled for 13 yards, setting up a 3rd-and-14. That’s when Redskins head coach Jay Gruden and Johnson’s mobility got creative, as Johnson rolled out of the pocket allowing wide receiver Josh Doctson to cross over the middle for a connection and a 22-yard reception and the first down.
The Redskins proceeded to march down the field on the Titans defense that seemed to have their backs broken by the two huge plays. Washington fed Peterson more behind its makeshift offensive line and Johnson did some more improvising with a beautiful look-off on the outside before finding tight end Jeremy Sprinkle in the seam for a huge 15-yard pickup following an 11-yard pitch and catch to Jamison Crowder to overcome a holding penalty on Trent Williams.
The Redskins completed the scoring drive when Johnson found Michael Floyd, who beat Titans cornerback Adoree Jackson and inside and had enough momentum to carry him into the end zone.
The Redskins regained the lead at 10-6, and capped off the second-longest touchdown drive of the season. Johnson was 6-of-6 passing for 70 yards and the touchdown on the drive.
By far, the 17-play drive was the most impressive series of the season for the Redskins and showed just how creative Gruden can be and how calm, cool, and collected Johnson has been and made the Redskins since his arrival on the team earlier this month.
