Here is a look at some of the interesting and relevant numbers from the Redskins 17-10 victory over the St. Louis Rams:
196 – Yards on the ground for the Washington Redskins (4.9 yard average). The Rams came into the game allowing a league-worst 175 yards per game, and a 4.9 yard average, so the game pretty much bore out the Rams season history.
172 – Yards total for the St. Louis Rams offense. The Redskins defense was spectacular.
164 – Yards passing for Sam Bradford, on a 20 of 43 day. It’s hard to believe, but he was the better of the two quarterbacks.
143 – Yards passing, and 15 of 29, for Rex Grossman. Tack 2 interceptions on to that stat line, and it’s two bad games in a row for Grossman.
135 – Yards rushing for Ryan Torain. Torain came in to spell an ineffective Hightower, and almost instantly created a running back controversy in D.C. Torain was terrific posting a 7+ yard average on 19 carries, with a long of 39 yards, and a touchdown.
96 – Yards on 10 penalties against the Redskins. Too many hankies against the Rams.
63 – Yard punt from Sav Rocca, and a net average of 45.7 yards. He had 3 balls downed inside the 20, and is so solid and consistent, that sometimes he’s neglected in By The Numbers. He shouldn’t be.
62 – Yards receiving on 4 receptions for Jabar Gaffney. Not great for the Redskins that 62 yards was tops for Redskin receivers, but Gaffney continues to impress, and be a solid contributor.
45 – Yards rushing for Steven Jackson. The Redskins needed to stop the Rams running back, and with a 2.6 yard average on his 17 carries – they did a formidable job – especially in the second half when Jackson had 3 carries for 3 yards.
35 – Minutes of possession. The Redskins moved back to the top of the time of possession battle, again by ten minutes (35:10 vs 24:50), and it showed both on the stat sheet, and in the game’s result.
34 – Yards receiving on 4 receptions for Fred Davis. After two huge games to start the season, The Redskin tight end has contributed little in the last two games.
24 – Yards rushing for Tim Hightower, on 8 carries. Will Torain’s success mean Hightower sees his role changed to the one that he was brought here for – blocking and third downs?
7 – Sacks for the Redskins defense (Orakpo, Kerrigan, Bowen, Carriker, Team). Bradford lost 37 yards on sack plays, taking his 164 yards, down to 127 yards. Jim Haslett brought pressure early and often, and the rushers got there – early and often.
5 – Tackles for Rocky McIntosh. Only DeAngelo Hall (6,0) and Ryan Kerrigan (5,1) had more, and McIntosh’s exponential improvement curve continued in week four. He had his best game ever in the Redskins 3-4, and was so good that London Fletcher’s name was heard a little less.
4 – Yards receiving for Chris Cooley. He was non-existent in the Redskins offensive plans on Sunday.
2.5 – Sacks for Brian Orakpo. He was unstoppable. Looks like the ankle isn’t bothering him anymore, and he’s going to go back to making the opposing quarterback’s pocket life – hell.
1.5 – Sacks for Stephen Bowen, who had his best game as a Redskin. He was great last week against his former team, but he was even better this week. He also added 5 tackles (4 solo, 1 assisted).
1 – Sack, and 1 forced fumble, for Ryan Kerrigan. He already took home the Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for September; he started October with a big jump on this month’s. He now has 2.5 sacks on the season, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown. Video Highlight
1 – More big win.
There is still a lot of talk about the ‘way’ the Redskins have won a couple of their games this season, but they’re still 3-1 going into the bye week. For a team that was expected to compete for Andrew Luck this season, to be out of the running 4 games in, is very impressive.
Sure, the Redskins have offensive problems, and the Redskins aren’t Super Bowl contenders, but the bottom line is that they keep winning while they’re trying to figure it out. They’re a dangerous team to play right now, and their defense gives them a chance to win any game.
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Mark Solway