Here are my top 10 points of review on the first preseason game against AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Redskins took the win 16-7.
1. Rex Grossman is allowed to be confident: Rex has been getting ripped in the media for his comments regarding the Redskins chances of winning the NFC East, but on Friday night he showed why he feels like it is possible. I know it's a preseason game, but he threw for 207 yard and a TD, also on the first drive of the game he led the team almost the entire length of the field, only to be foiled by Shayne Graham missing a 29-yard field goal, which brings me to my next point.
2. Graham Gano is winning the kicking battle: Gano showed why Shanahan wanted him here in the first place by putting all 5 of his kickoffs through the endzone for touchbacks, then he put himself that much further ahead of Graham by making his 3 field goal attempts. Shayne Graham has already been released per Rotoworld, but I would be surprised if another veteran was not brought in to continue pushing Gano.
3. Tim Hightower will start Week 1: Hightower looked like a perfect fit for the zone stretch scheme as he ran hard and made quick decisions. He rarely stutter-stepped and found his way upfield quickly gaining the yards that were given to him, and sometimes more than that. Tim also did a great job in the passing game, both making receptions and blocking. He reminded me a lot of a young Clinton Portis in his aggressiveness and wanting to make the first hit.
4. Our Wide Receivers may be a strength: Now hear me out on this one. Last year we complained about how we didn't have a solid #1 receiver, and to be fair I still think that is the case. However, I think we have four #2 receivers in Moss, Gaffney, Stallworth and Armstrong. I think that on a building team, to have that depth and experience at any position while you still have youth behind them (Hankerson/Paul/Austin) you should feel happy with the direction the team is moving. If we're behind honest with ourselves though, we realize that not all these players will make the team, but this is a position battle I look forward to watching more.
5. London Fletcher still has it: He may be a graybeard on this team but he is still playing at Pro Bowl level if his 15 snaps is anything we can judge him on. He had 2 tackles in the first 2 snaps and was in on a sack of Big Ben with corner Kevin Barnes (more on him in a minute). I think if he continues to stay healthy as he has his entire career he could continue to be a strong piece to this puzzle for the next 2 or 3 years.
6. Our DBs struggled (except 1): Josh Wilson had a very disappointing debut with the team getting beat on a couple of occasions and not really looking comfortable in his role. There were growing pains being shown with obvious communication breakdown between the CBs and Safeties. The one bright spot in the secondary was Kevin Barnes and his aggressive attitude. He tackled hard, had decent coverage and also got a sack as I mentioned above. I think after a few more games together, and if Landry and Atogwe get healthy it can still be a good position for the Skins.
7. Ryan Kerrigan is a rookie: Just reminding those of you who seem to think he's supposed to be a Pro Bowler right out of his box. He did have some good plays but showed several times that he's not completely comfortable playing in the defensive backfield, yet. He tipped off the rush by leaning forward a few times, and didn't have the fluidity in his movement when covering. His best play came on a TFL that was assisted by new NT Barry Cofield breaking through the OL to stop the RB in his tracks.
8. We made good moves in Free Agency/Trades: DE Stephen Bowen, NT Barry Cofield, WR Jabar Gaffney, WR Donte Stallworth, RB Tim Hightower, OL Chris Chester all made some form of an impact. I think this is the best, most understated offseason we've had in the Dan Snyder era, and I for one hope it continues. No guarantees on any of these players, and it's possible Stallworth doesn't even make the roster but after 1 preseason game I'm happy with the choices Bruce and Shanny have made.
9. Brandon Banks must make the team: He is the best game changer this team has, and he showed that in just 2 plays on Friday. He took a kickoff from 7 yards deep in the endzone out for a 58 yard return and then grabbed a punt, patiently set up his blocks and wound up 19 yards further up the field. If Banks doesn't make the roster the Redskins won't be able to hide him on the Practice Squad this time around.
10. No more injuries: There were no additional injuries and the players already injured or on the PUP list are that much closer to getting back.
Can't wait for the next game! Thanks for reading and I hope you like what you see.
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