This game set up as an opportunity for the Redskins to prove their defense hadn’t just been fortunate to go up against bad offensive teams in recent weeks, but was actually much improved from last year. It was an opportunity to prove the debacle against the Saints in New Orleans was a fluke. It was an opportunity to make some strides offensively against a terrible defensive unit.
It was all of those things…and then kickoff happened.
On the second snap of the game, Shawn Lauvao tweaked his leg while committing a holding penalty that negated a first down catch by Jordan Reed.