Doctson makes his debut, but Redskins have team questions
This was not what the Washington Redskins had in mind when they took the field Monday night.
After their 38-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Redskins left with more questions than they began the season with.
“They took us behind the woodshed today and wore our tail out,” cornerback Josh Norman said via The Washington Post. “A good old-fashioned butt-whipping. That’s what it was.”
Here are three things to know about the Redskins:
Cousins’ Future
Quarterback Kirk Cousins did not sign a long-term deal after the Redskins placed the franchise tag on him. Cousins, signed for $19.95 million this season, is the first quarterback since Drew Brees to play under the tag. So far, it’s a prudent move by the Redskins not to give up the farm for the fifth-year veteran, second-year starter.
Cousins threw two interceptions and no touchdowns in the season opener. He now sports an 11-15 record as a starter.
Norman Island
The Redskins quickly signed Norman to a five-year, $75 million deal after the Panthers pulled the franchise tag on the All-Pro cornerback this summer. But Washington chose not to have Norman shadow Steelers receiver Antonio Brown on Monday night.
Instead, Bashaud Breeland was responsible for seven of the eight passes Brown caught for 113 yards and two touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus. Brown ended with 126 receiving yards. But the All-Pro receiver didn’t have a catch the two times he was targeted with Norman covering him.
When the Carolina Panthers played the Cowboys last Thanksgiving, Norman shut down Dez Bryant. Bryant, who because of injuries was never 100 percent last season, had only two catches for 26 yards on eight targets. Norman yelled that the Cowboys should “get Dez’s $70 mil back” as he headed to the locker room.
Doctson’s debut
Former Mansfield Legacy and TCU star Josh Doctson made his NFL debut despite missing all of the preseason with a strained Achilles tendon. Doctson, the 22nd overall pick, played 12 of 58 snaps. He caught one pass for 9 yards, the only time Cousins targeted Doctson.
Doctson was injured May 25. The Redskins were cautious with his rehab, and the receiver returned to practice on a limited basis last week.
Charean Williams: 817-390-7760, @NFLCharean
This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Doctson makes his debut, but Redskins have team questions."