Washington Redskins vs Cleveland Browns Post-Game Notes

The Washington Redskins defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-23 in what was roller coaster of a game. The final seconds summed up the entire game well as the Browns scored on a Hail Mary play. They failed the two point conversion, however, allowing the Redskins to win.

I’m not sure how the Browns’ coaches will choose who will be their opening day starter after this game as both Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer struggled. I tend to believe Hoyer is the guy they’ve wanted to start all-along and Manziel didn’t do much to change that view.

For the Redskins there was a lot of good and bad. Here’s our game notes. As always, this is composed without looking at film:

• CB David Amerson de-cleated a defender on the opening punt return. He also had a nice big hit on defense. Most importantly he’s keeping his head up when tackling. That was an issue for him in both college and his rookie season last year.

• QB Robert Griffin III on the second play of the game did an excellent job going through his progression. He wanted Pierre Garcon on the left side of the field — but turned his hips and found DeSean Jackson on the opposite side. That’s something he’s been unable to consistently do. Another thing Griffin has been unable to do is slide. He once again failed to do that while scrambling on the second drive. He has to channel his instincts and stop putting himself in harm’s way. Griffin continues to take some massive hits and it’s because he fails to get rid of the football, slide or run out of bounds. Griffin also had an interception on the team’s second drive. It was a telegraphed throw and he didn’t step into the ball. Roy Helu failed to make a block — allowing pressure. But Griffin has to step into his throws. It was an out-route and you absolutely can’t under-throw those balls. Griffin did make up for a few of his mistakes with what was maybe his best in-game throw in over a year — a nice 49 yard bomb to Andre Roberts.

• RB Alfred Morris failed to secure a toss on a run play during the first drive which resulted in a turnover. He’s had an issue with that in the past. He has to hold on to the football.

• I like how Jay Gruden called four straight runs on the goal line early in the second quarter. However, he’s implemented some power plays and in those situations — it’s clear the “current” starting Redskins offensive line isn’t built for power. Especially against massive defensive line. The Redskins, however, weren’t able to get a TD there.

• WR DeSean Jackson looked good in his debut. He showed his speed, hands and ability to get yards after the catch.

• Didn’t see much of S Ryan Clark, but he did a good job sniffing out a zone read play.

• Zero Coverage made its return to FedEx Field as Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett sent the kitchen sink at Johnny Manziel several times. The Redskins are doing a better job at pressuring the QB so far. But then again, they didn’t do horrible at it in preseason last year.

•  S Bacarri Rambo has gone a second straight week doing a good job with taking angles. He lit up a few players Monday night. That’s a positive sign for a guy who is battling for a roster spot. He’s the only back-up safety with true free safety traits, in my opinion. He also forced a fumble. So he’s putting on some good film for coaches to see. He’s finding himself around the ball a lot more now.

• The Redskins had turnovers on their first four drives tonight — a fumble, two interceptions and a turnover on downs. That’s not what you want to see.

• Rookie offensive guard Spencer Long did a good job plugging Browns DT Phil Taylor on a play in the second quarter. Long also did a great job pulling and opening up a lane on Evan Royster’s touchdown. He’s a guy I think will start sooner than later.

• Offensive Tackle Tom Compton was abused on several plays. He played too tall a few times allowing defenders into his chest and allowed a sack.

• Jay Gruden likes to go classic power with pulling guards on the goal line. He also went four receiver sets on the goal line again this week. That’s a different flavor for the team.

• Rookie offensive tackle Morgan Moses had another solid game. I thought he played fairly well against the Patriots in week one of preseason. So he’s stringing along a couple good game films to show the coaches. He still has some issues getting a bit tall at times. But he is a big guy and also is more of a right tackle. So I think it’s a good sign that he’s been able to hold his own so far this preseason.

• There were 13 penalty flags between the two teams in the first half alone. The Washington Redskins had six and Cleveland had seven.

• FB Darrel Young made a nice catch early in the game. It looks like Jay Gruden will find ways to not only use him as a blocker, but a receiver in some situations. He also caught a ball week one of preseason.

•  Rookie WR Ryan Grant is incredibly savvy. I love the way he plucks the ball out the air. His touchdown was a thing of beauty from a route running perspective — he jab stepped the defender and ended up getting great separation on the fade route. He reminds me of a young Greg Jennings.

• Rookie Kicker Zach Hocker hasn’t made any mistakes in his first two preseason games and he’s registered two tackles. Putting in the dirty work to win the job over Forbath.

• Rookie corner Bashuad Breeland is a missile. He lit up receivers on a couple plays — legally. Although, he has to watch that head of his. Needs to make sure he keeps it up when tackling. He also made some very nice plays in coverage. Breeland may already be the Redskins’ most physical corner. If he stays out of trouble off the field, he has a very bright future ahead of him. He may end up being Washington’s best 2014 draft pick.

• Offensive guard Chris Chester struggled early and often during his time attempting to play football Monday night.

• Rookie LB Trent Murphy continues to create some interior pressure — although he hasn’t hit home yet.

• CB Richard Crawford has struggled this preseason and continued to struggle Monday night. On the Hail Mary play, Crawford failed to knock the ball down which caused the tip drill.

• Until he proves otherwise, I’ll continue mentioning LB Will Compton every week. The guy is always around the ball and doesn’t make many mental mistakes. A big question coaches had about him was if he could tackle — I think he’s proved that so far this preseason.

• I really like the way rookie RB Lache Seastrunk runs the football. He needs to continue working on getting low and not absorb so many hard hits. But I find it hard to believe that he won’t make the team. He’s an explosive runner and proved that he can also run between the tackles. He also did a good job in pass protection Monday night. Most importantly, he’s stayed healthy — unlike Chris Thompson.

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