The Washington Redskins opened up their preseason campaign Thursday against the Tennessee Titans. Although preseason scores do not matter, the Redskins did come away victorious – defeating the Titans 22-21. Now to the good, bad and preseason legacy:
The Good -
- CJ2k is still CJ2k. The Titans’ running back finally showed that explosiveness we haven’t seen in a while. On a outside zone stretch to the right, Chris Johnson exited stage left for a 58-yard touchdown and simply gave Washington Redskins’ rookie safety Baccarri Rambo a “Welcome to the NFL” moment in open field.
- Washington Redskins’ running back Roy Helu Jr. saw his first game action since September 2012. On 13 carries, Helu ran for 57-yards and looked very explosive and strong. His vision and ability to find cutback lanes is special. Helu will definitely be a great complement to Alfred Morris, if he stays healthy.
- Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins looked like he’s going to net the team a first round pick next year. He looks like starter material and would be if the Redskins didn’t have Robert Griffin III. He made quick decisions, threw in some tight spaces and looked comfortable in the pistol formation. His hard classic Shanahan bootleg fooled the entire Tennessee Titans’ defense in the endzone, allowing TE Fred Davis to spring free for a touchdown.
- Tennessee Titans’ rookie guard Chance Warmack is just a stud, as are most guys who come up in Alabama Crimson Tide’s system. Although he allowed a sack, Warmack did a great job pulling and opening up space for RB Shonn Greene’s touchdown.
- Washington Redskins receivers Leonard Hankerson and Aldrick Robinson both flashed great potential. Robinson coming from that “X” receiver spot proved he can get off-the-line, create separation and be aggressive. He ran some great routes, but unlike in training camp — he fought the ball instead of naturally catching it. Leonard Hankerson struggles with consistency and aggression, but his touchdown run-after-screen catch could have been the most explosive play of his young career. It was the first time I’ve seen him essentially say, ‘forget this — I’m going to jump to get my touchdown.’ Now he has to keep consistently doing this. I’m still not sold, but he can help himself greatly by continuing his aggressive play.
- To continue on Washington Redskins’ receivers, Joshua Morgan was on fire and looked like the player he was during his Virginia Tech and San Francisco 49ers days. He’s told me all off-season, “they haven’t’ seen the best of me yet.” He will add another element across from Pierre Garcon this season.
- I also was highly impressed by Washington Redskins’ receiver Lance Lewis. His aggressive playing style is on Garcon — Morgan type levels. Lewis had the non-play, play of the day with his leaping grab late in the game. Although it didn’t count, due to a penalty, he’s a guy who is 6ft 2 and plays like it. He high points footballs and snags them out of tight spots. I enjoyed watching the way he patiently runs routes, and uses his body as a shield. He has strong hands. I would be surprised if there’s not someone standing on the table for him when it comes down to final cuts.
- The Washington Redskins’ rookie DBs all showed their flaws when it comes to taking proper angles and attacking a runner. But Phillip Thomas, Baccarri Rambo and David Amerson showed great signs in coverage — albeit, simple coverage packages. Cornerback David Amerson looked aggressive and he uses his body to his advantage. He’s a long, lanky guy with great recovery speed. Second year player Richard Crawford also had a strong game.
- “Kerrakpoins” package. Yes, I created a name for it. LBs Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan and rookie pass rusher Brandon Jenkins were all on the field, at the same time for a play last night. It was epic, it was unfair and it was odd to see the team show that in the first game of preseason. Kerrigan reached the QB on that play, but it was a collective effort and a great preview of what’s to come for those pass rushers.
The Bad -
- Washington Redskins defense against the run — they allowed a few big carries by Titans’ RBs Chris Johnson and Shonne Greene. It’s to be expected in the first preseason game, especially when you have a lot of young defensive backs in the secondary. They will improve with time.
- Punter Sav Rocca was a tad off Thursday night… Not sure why, but he wasn’t booming balls as he normally does.
- Offensive Line depth — the depth at center and left guard, in particular is kind of scary. Second year guard Josh LeRibeus had an up-and-down game. He has the ability, but his work ethic has been questioned in the past — so that’s something worth keeping an eye on. Behind center Will Montgomery — Kevin Matthews had a rough night. It’s tough to breakdown an offensive line live — so I’ll have more to say after watching film. But those two guys in particular stood out… in a bad way.
- QB Rex Grossman had maybe the worst preseason game of his Washington Redskins’ career. For all the flack he’s received throughout his career, he has not been extremely bad with the Redskins. At times, the front five collapsed, but Rex wasn’t sharp with his throws or decisions.
Preseason Legacy -
- Pat White entered Colt Brennan levels in just one game. He was clutch with a nice 9-yard TD run. And he saved everyone from the nightmare of having to watch an overtime preseason game by converting a two-point attempt. He was accurate, made quick decisions and he did this all against the Tennessee Titans’ reserves. The coaches put him in a good position to succeed as well.
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