The Kirk Cousins-led Washington Redskins showed newfound toughness on both lines in a 24-10 win over the St. Louis Ramsin Week 2. Here's what you need to know:
- Kirk Cousins was clean and efficient during a dominant first half, completing 23 of 27 passes to help the Redskins build a 17-0 lead at the break. He countered the St. Louis pass rush with a rash of quick throws to his running backs and a (finally healthy) Jordan Reed, the talented tight end who pulled down six passes for 82 yards. As he's done in the past, Cousins showed strong command of the offense. He can do anything Robert Griffin III can do in Jay Gruden's West Coast-styled scheme. When the Redskins control the line as they did Sunday -- outgaining St. Louis 373 yards 213 on the day -- Washington looks like they can play with anyone.
- After his Week 1 heroics against the Seahawks, Nick Foles returned to terra firma against Washington's underrated defensive front. The Redskins forced Foles -- 17-of-32 passing for 150 yards with one score -- into a rash of poorly timed passes, resulting in six straight Rams punts over the first two quarters. He bounced back with a 40-yard touchdown strike to Kenny Britt in the third quarter, but Foles is responsible for St. Louis converting just 2 of 12 third downs.
- Six-foot-2, 231-pound Matt Jones is a load to deal with. The Redskins rookie back beat St. Louis defenders to the edge and won a footrace down the sideline for a 39-yard touchdown in the opening frame. Alfred Morris also contributed a 35-yard run on the drive to help the 'Skins fry the Rams for 132 rushing yards in the first half and 182 yards on the day. Jones -- with 19 runs for 123 yards and two scores at a promising 6.5 yards per carry -- stood out with his physical running style and sneaky speed.
- The Rams pass rush will keep this team in games all year -- but not today. Coming off his Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign, big-bodied tackle Aaron Donald buried Cousins with a drive-killing sack in the first quarter, but St. Louis managed just a pair of takedowns and two extra hits on the passer all afternoon.
- Forget the ponderous quarterback controversy that soiled Washington's preseason. General manager Scot McCloughan has successfully molded Washington into a tougher squad on both lines. They dominated St. Louis in the opening half and don't resemble last year's NFC East pushover.
