Quick Hits: Washington Redskins Defeat The Pittsburgh Steelers 24-13

The Washington Redskins defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-13 in each team’s second preseason game Monday. Besides some players simply knocking the rust off and others attempting to make the final 53-man roster, staying healthy is a primary goal for both sides. Unfortunately for the Washington Redskins, the team suffered quite a few injuries against the Steelers Monday night. However, initial reports are positive on all the injuries.

Injuries: 

QB Kirk Cousins (Ankle)

NT Barry Cofield (Hand)

WR Leonard Hankerson (Knee)

WR Aldrick Robinson (Thigh)

RB Chris Thompson (arm)

RB Keiland Williams (knee)

First Half Game Notes: 

– NT Barry Cofield dominated early against Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, who is one of the better centers in the league. Cofield created a ton of havoc, but now there’s concern that he could have a fractured/broken right hand.

– Ryan Kerrigan created a lot of issues as a down interior linemen in nickel packages. He also had a pick-six, which is becoming a signature niche for him. Kerrigan is so athletic and versatile that the Washington Redskins are able to use him all over the place.

– DeJon Gomes missed a lot of plays and was penalized often in the 1st half. It was not a good outing for him.

– David Amerson had a nice tackle in 1st Q. But poor coverage on another play, because he didn’t stay in his zone long enough. He’ll learn, but overall a solid day.

– Bacarri Rambo a missed tackle on a nullified play, but missed another open space tackle later in the first half. He was able to make up for his mistakes though by forcing a fumble. Creating plays is something he does well. It’s something the team may have to live with until his open field tackling improves.

– London Fletcher was active early. He had a few free rushes thanks to some great penetration by Barry Cofield.

– Hankerson played in slot a few plays and looked good. He did drop a ball in the 2nd Q between two defenders from Rex Grossman, but it was catchable. His one handed TD catch kind of made up for the drop. It was Hank’s second game in a row with a TD. However, he still needs to be a lot more consistent than he has been.

– Tyler Polumbus had a poor outing tonight. He struggled getting his hands on rushers and consistently got pushed back.

– Trent Williams looked good, but poor footing on a play allowed Steelers LB Jarvis Jones to blowup a play and force a fumble.

– Darryl Tapp showed some good ability early in the game.

– EJ Biggers sniffed out a route but attacked it incorrectly. He struggled in coverage against Emmanuel Sanders.

– Santana Moss made a few tough catches.

– Aldrick Robinson with a critical catch to set the Washington Redskins up in field goal range towards the end of first half. However, he got injured on the play.

Second Half Notes: 

– Brandon Jenkins has a mean power rush. Really like what I’m seeing from him.

– Still not impressed with the depth on Washington’s offensive line — specifically C and G. Josh Leribeus is a huge disappointment.

– WR Lance Lewis made a few tough snags, as he typically does. I’d like to see him get more reps with someone who can actually throw. That someone not named Pat White.

– LB Will Compton made some nice plays in the run game, but looked lost in coverage on a Pittsburgh Steelers’ touchdown. He also dropped a near interception towards the end of the game.

– Chris Thompson showed good cut, patience and burst on a run. But fumbled the ball and sustained an injury. He’s a small guy, and injuries could continue to become an issue for him.

– Josh Morgan returning kickoffs. It was interesting.

– Richard Crawford had a nice break-on-route. Second week in a row he should have had an interception — this one could have been a pick 6.

– Phillip Merling looked stout on DL and getting some good push. I think he’s a lock to make the roster. Could provide some great depth on the line.

– Chris Baker got a few good pushes.

– Skye Dawson made some quick, instinctive cuts and found lanes on punt returns easily unlike Brandon Banks. However, he’d need to prove himself at receiver to make the team. Could be a practice squad candidate.

– Jawan Jamison planted his foot hard and made some nice cuts.

– Roy Helu Jr. had an explosive 30 yard TD with some great blocking by LT Tom Compton

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