Instant Analysis: Washington Redskins Defeat The New England Patriots 23-6

The Washington Redskins are officially 1-0 in preseason. But let’s not forget, this is the same team that went 4-0 last preseason then went on to win three regular season games.

Anyway, the team looked good in their first outing. I though Jay Gruden did a nice job keeping things organized. He also called a good game offensively. Below is our initial game notes. Of course, I’m a film watcher, so things could change or be added.

Game Notes:

• The big question with Keenan Robinson is his upfield tackling ability. I think he did a good job plugging holes Thursday night.

• Andre Roberts looked good punt returning. Not a lot of dancing. I think the Redskins are safe with him back there.

• Redskins offense got in and out the huddle quickly. Tempo is something Head Coach Jay Gruden wants and they definitely had that Thursday night.

• Robert Griffin III went through his progressions well — unloaded the ball quickly and took his checkdowns. He still has much to improve on as a pocket QB. But his eyes are getting quicker.

• Alfred Morris looked very good. Redskins had success running left, which appears to be the strength of their line. Morris continues to run angry. Looked in mid-season form.

• Aldrick Robinson had a great effort catch on a end zone fade — arm went out of bounds. He came back on the team’s second drive and got his touchdown in the seam. It was a nice, quick bullet from Kirk Cousins. Robinson had a great game. He’s become a better route runner.

• Jay Gruden likes to spread the field in the redzone. He appears to love going four to five receiver sets in that area.

• Very clear that running backs will have to catch in the Gruden offense. Gruden loves the RB screen and wheel routes.

• Jordan Reed appears to be really developing his blocking game. Opened up a couple holes in the run game.

• Spencer Long is a dog. Has some nasty in him. I think he’ll start sooner than later. I did see him whiff on a block. But overall did a solid job.

• It’s going to take some time for Morgan Moses to develop. Played upright too much allowing defenders into his chest. Was a bit grabby at times. However, he didn’t play terrible. He actually looked decent. But he has to work on his bend and leverage.

• I saw Chris Baker simply destroy the left side of the Patriots offensive line towards the end of the first quarter. The Redskins DL was able to create pressure on its own Thursday night.

• Kai Forbath missed a 46 yard kick (he also initially missed a 35 yarder but it was negated).

• Bacarri Rambo had two straight tackles late in the second quarter. One was a roller coaster though, but it ended with a shoestring tackle. Both in the open field.

• Ryan Grant is just a solid player. Almost forget that he’s a rookie. Runs great routes and had a nice diving catch in the second quarter.

• Brian Orakpo did a good job fighting through some harassment to get a sack. Kerrigan did a good job helping create the pressure.

• Trent Murphy looks most comfortable with his hand in the dirt. He doesn’t look great in coverage. He’s a guy I’d still like to see develop into a five technique one day.

• I called ILB Will Compton savage last season. I really like the guy’s style… under the radar guy who could be on the come up… he even saw some playtime next to Keenan Robinson.

• Rookie WR Rashad Ross had a nice kick return and also made a big play on a vertical route. He’s a guy with a lot of speed. Could be a practice squad candidate.

• RB Lache Seastrunk glides when he runs. He cuts on a dime and goes forward with ease. He has some mad wheels. It’s like he’s skating on ice with rocket jets that doesn’t have fire that would melt the ice…….. Seastrunk does need to learn how to alternate hands with the ball when running downfield though, as that could lead to trouble down the road. He likes to bounce things outside… that can be both a good and bad thing. There’s times where he should stay inside and he bounces it out. But even LeSean McCoy has had that issue.

• Rookie Kicker Zach Hocker had a good outing. He even made a tackle on a kickoff return.

• Speaking of special teams, they continue to display poor angles and tackling form. This was an issue for the Redskins last season.

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