Game Notes: Washington Redskins Fall To The Baltimore Ravens 23-17

Well, it was a good run. The Washington Redskins lost their first preseason game since August 18, 2012. I repeat, since August 18, 2012. Not only that, but it’s their second preseason loss in three years. The Baltimore Ravens defeated Washington 23-17  in what was a sloppy game, especially for the Redskins starting offense.

Let’s not forget this is preseason. Teams just scratch the surface on game planning for the third game. So, although the third preseason game is considered a “dress rehearsal” — it isn’t necessarily tailored. Simply put, you shouldn’t put too much stock in how good or bad you look in preseason. The Redskins learned this last year when they won more games in preseason than the regular season. Another example, Robert Griffin III didn’t look overly sharp in preseason his rookie season. But he went on to have a dynamic rookie campaign.

Below is our game notes. As always, this is pre-film watching observations. So thoughts are subject to change.

• ILB Keenan Robinson had an awesome open field tackle on the Ravens’ opening drive. It was a big time play when one needed to be made on third down. Then on the second drive he sniffed out an end around forcing a loss of yards. He also showed his ability in coverage tipping a ball that could have resulted in a touchdown. That’s something you want to see from a guy who will succeed London Fletcher. We know he can cover. But making an impact in the backfield is huge.

•  DE Jason Hatcher made an impact early with a sack — that probably could be credited to the coverage. However, his ability to penetrate the inside will benefit the Redskins a great deal this season.

• Andre Roberts had a nice 24 yard punt return early in the game. He’s patient, sets up his blocks and goes uphill quickly. Should bring a spark to Washington’s special teams.

• Jim Haslett is getting creative with his line-up. He’ll benefit from having versatile defensive linemen. They interchanged positions early and often on the defensive front.

• Speaking of the Washington Redskins front 7, it looks like they may do some things this year. Good things.

• Ryan Kerrigan continues to make plays — had another sack Saturday after a two sack game Monday. Chris Baker did an awesome job taking on two linemen and collapsing the pocket.

• Speaking of Chris Baker — he is really developing into a good player. He’s a guy who just makes plays. He gets into the backfield, sniffs out runs and also provides versatility. Like what I’m seeing from him.

• Brandon Meriweather can make plays, but he continues to hit heads and get flagged. It’ll be interesting to see how long that lasts during the season. The Redskins can’t really afford to lose him to suspension for big hits (some, arguably, aren’t that bad).

• Chris Chester moved to center and rookie Spencer Long moved to RG mid-second quarter — getting a chance to play with the starters. Long did decent, from what I could tell. I did notice him whiff on one occasion.

• Pr0-Bowl LT Trent Williams, to be honest, has been a bit grabby all preseason. He hasn’t looked “bad,” but he has a habit of holding on to defenders when they get into his chest. He has to quit that habit.

• Jarvis Jenkins looked good on the defensive line. He sniffed out a few run plays and had a near-sack. Looks a lot quicker off the snap this year. If that continues, he’ll provide good rotational depth for the team.

• The Washington Redskins shouldn’t be overly concerned about their offense… But it’s something that they certainly shouldn’t be pleased with. They’ve had two sloppy games. But Saturday’s performance was simply unacceptable. Alfred Morris continues to look good. However, they’ve just been unable to click on offense.

• Robert Griffin III was sacked three times, incompleted two balls on seven attempts and had two near-interceptions in the first half. He then went on to be intercepted on the first play of the second half. Griffin missed an open Jordan Reed in the seam and tried dumping the ball to Alfred Morris. Ravens’ rookie LB CJ Mosely received a gift after the tip drill. Griffin looked a bit hesitant on a few passes and just plain uncomfortable. Griffin missed DeSean Jackson on a deep ball — should have thrown the ball a lot earlier. It just wasn’t a good night for the entire offense — except for Alfred Morris, who had a couple good runs.

• Rookie CB Bashaud Breeland saw time as the team’s starting nickel back with Tracy Porter injured. He did well considering that’s not a natural position for him, in my opinion. Breeland moved to the outside in the second half and allowed a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He was just simply beat on the play. However, Breeland looked pretty good in special teams coverage. That should bode well for him when the season starts.

• RB Roy Helu Jr. had himself a pretty good outing. Made a couple nice plays. I’ve always liked him as a player. Makes some nice hard cuts and is a good catcher. I think the team will be fine with him as a number two back.

• Rookie LB Trent Murphy got his first sack out of the four point stance. I like what I’ve seen from him. But again, I still think he’s best with his hand in the dirt and providing an interior rush. I still think playing five technique isn’t out of the question down-the-road.

• Rookie OL Morgan Moses got his first look at Right tackle Saturday. He looked good early — getting to the second level on runs. However, was later injured after Kirk Cousins helmet hit his knee. Jay Gruden said after the game that Moses has a slight MCL sprain — “mild.”

• TE Niles Paul had a good game. Made a couple nice snags. His hands have improved. Of course, he continues to be one of the better special teamers as well.

• Have to continue mentioning my guy Bacarri Rambo. He continues to not make himself look silly. Rambo had another open field tackle Saturday.

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