Redskins-Steelers: Recap

Quarters

1 - The Redskins defense has been a shell of its 2011 self so far this season, and that trend continued in the first quarter in Pittsburgh. The Steelers were in complete control on their opening drive, going 76 yards on 12 plays and finishing with a fourth-and-goal touchdown pass to Leonard Pope. They added a field goal five minutes later to make it 10-0, and it wasn’t until the closing minute of the quarter that Robert Griffin III and the Redskins offense showed life and engineered a drive into Pittsburgh territory.

2 - After watching the Steelers convert on fourth-and-goal in the first quarter, the Redskins decided to convert one of their own. Griffin found Santana Moss on a quick slant at the 12:12 mark, but that was where Washington’s luck ended. Kai Forbath’s extra point was blocked. The ensuing Steelers drive resulted in another touchdown pass, this time to Heath Miller. And the most exciting moment of the half, a trick play pass from Josh Morgan to Griffin, ended in an offensive pass interference call on the Redskins’ QB.

Play of the game: In a game filled with missed opportunities and mental mistakes, it was only fitting that the Redskins would end on a sour note. Veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall was ejected in the game’s closing minutes after removing his helmet and jawing at an official.

3 - Griffin found Niles Paul for a 37-yard run-and-catch on the first play of the half, but the Redskins could only manage a field goal on the drive. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, continued to march up and down the field seemingly at will. Roethlisberger completed his third touchdown pass of the day and third-string running back Jonathan Dwyer approached 100 yards on the ground.

4 - Forbath’s second field goal of the day brought the Redskins to within two scores, and a Pittsburgh three-and-out gave them hope. But with a combination of drops and penalties, the Redskins unraveled. After converting a fourth down and moving into the red zone, Washington’s screen play was blown up for a 7-yard loss. Then, on a 4th-and-17 two plays later, Griffin could not do what he has done so frequently this season and make a miracle happen. His pass to Moss fell incomplete. The Redskins offense left the field empty-handed. And then, just for good measure, DeAngelo Hall got ejected for taking off his helmet and yelling at an official.