Instant Thoughts: Washington Redskins vs Buffalo Bills Game Notes

The Washington Redskins had their way on offense Saturday in a win over the Buffalo Bills. Washington dominated with a 30-7 preseason victory to make them 3-0 in the month of August. However, Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced after the game that CB Richard Crawford is out for the season with an LCL and possible ACL tear. That’s a big blow for a guy who could have potentially contributed in multiple ways for the team this season.

First Half Game Notes:

• Rex Grossman had some good and some bad. But for the most part, looked good. His deep ball throwing was horrible.

• Roy Helu looks bigger and stronger. He’s been patient and has made some great cutbacks. Looks to have solidified his spot as the Redskins number two back.

• Aldrick Robinson made some tough catches. Looks great particularly on slants and deep posts.

• Pat White made his money on the slant route. Had a nice 14-yard touchdown off the read option — Darrel Young led the way on that play.

• Bacarri Rambo had his best preseason outing today. Stuck his nose in some plays up-the-field and broke nicely on a route — almost forced an incomplete pass.

• David Amerson probably had his worst outing so far this preseason. He took some poor angles in run-support and also took a poor angle on a Bills kickoff return. Amerson closed in on a deep route, but resulted in defensive pass interference because he didn’t turn to look at the ball. But he has proven to be a willing hitter and made nice contact with Stevie Johnson towards the end of the 2nd Q.

• Kai Forbath looked great on kickoffs, which was a weakness last season. He also nailed a 53-yard field goal.

• Washington Redskins third down defense is something special. Orakpo, Kerrigan, Brandon Jenkins, Darryl Tapp, London Fletcher, and Perry Riley were all on the field several times against the Bills. Tough to block.

• Santana Moss continues to prove he still has some ability left in him. He had a nice 45-yard catch from Rex Grossman.

• Brandon Jenkins continues to impress. He could be a late round gem.

• Darryl Tapp has also impressed. Looks to be added depth with Rob Jackson suspended the first month of football.

• Five penalties accounting for 101 yards in the first half alone. Not something you want to see from a team that had a lot of penalties last season.

• Darrel Young looks like one of the best fullbacks in the league… Although, some teams don’t even use fullbacks. But he’s more than just a blocker!

Second Half Game Notes:

• Chris Thompson fumbled the ball for the second consecutive game. That’s never something you want to see from a running back. However, he’s not a dancer when running the football. He showed good decisiveness and cutback ability. Thompson also had an electric 32-yard punt return. Really like his potential as a punt returner. So the good outweighed the bad. It will be hard for the team to cut that type of talent. And I don’t believe they will.

• Dezmon Briscoe made a nice catch. He also somehow out-wrestled a Bills player to recover Chris Thompson’s fumble.

• Chase Minnifield had a few nice pass breakups and delivered some hard hits. He also had a near interception late in the game. Should have caught the ball.

• EJ Biggers had a nice pass breakup while rushing the passer. He’s looked solid when on the field.

• Jordan Reed made some nice catches and almost broke away for a long TD. He’s yet another piece to this explosive group of players the Washington Redskins have on offense. He also looked better as a blocker this week — sealed the end for a late Keiland Williams TD.

• It’s hard to judge offensive linemen during the game but two guys who stood out was LT Tom Compton and RG Adam Gettis.

• Bryan Kehl had a good game against the run and in coverage. He forced a Stevie Johnson fumble. Kehl also looked good on special teams.

• Jarvis Jenkins looks strong and collapsed the pocket a few times. Too bad he’ll be out the first month of football.

• Chris Baker also stood out on the DLine.

• Lance Lewis wasn’t featured on offense, but he was a dog on special teams. Fought to recover a fumble. He possesses a similar mentality to that of Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan.

• Rookie LB Will Compton continues to stand out to me on special teams and defense.

• Kieland Williams also looked great rushing the ball. The Washington Redskins have themselves a nice stable, and some hard decisions to make.

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