Third down is a priority for Redskins

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By Ryan O'Halloran

Through a variety of reasons Thursday, the Washington Redskins proved it's as difficult to convert a third-and-1 as it is a third-and-15.

A route cut off short of the first-down marker. A missed blocking assignment up front. A bad throw. A dose of bad luck. Nearly everything bad imaginable happened for the Redskins in their 16-7 loss to the New York Giants, a setback that saw them go 3-for-13 on third down.

When they needed 15 yards, they got 9. When they needed a yard, they got nothing.

As the Redskins start preparations for Sunday's home opener against New Orleans, they are aware that staying on the field is paramount, primarily because the defense will have trouble enough stopping the Saints' efficient offense without having to trudge back on the field after a three-and-out.

"We just need to execute," center Casey Rabach said. "We've been put in good situations, and when our number is called, we need to complete the pass, get to the first-down [marker] on third-and-short and find ways to stay on the field and make first downs."

Playing in 88-degree conditions last week, the Redskins' defense was on the field for 19 of the game's first 22 nonspecial teams snaps. The Giants sprinted to a 16-0 lead, and their first four drives lasted a total of 40 plays.

But to get better on third down, the Redskins have to be more effective on first and second down.

"Sometimes, first and second down tell more of the story about third down than third down does," left guard Pete Kendall said.

The Redskins needed to travel an average of 8.2 yards a chance. That makes a team pass happy and allows the defense to rush the passer.

The Giants were 7-for-14 on third down and needed to make an average of 5.2 yards.