Redskins-Browns, Preseason Week 2 – Observations & Press Conferences
In a relatively sloppy preseason contest, the Washington Redskins turned the ball over four times including interceptions by all three Redskins quarterbacks and a goal-line stand for the Browns after four straight Redskins plays from the inside the five-yard-line. All three quarterbacks moved the ball on offense for Washington, the four turnovers and countless penalties kept the game close. Browns third-string quarterback Conner Shaw was successful on a 45-yard Hail-Mary touchdown at the end of the game to pull to 24-23, but Cleveland was unsuccessful going for two points after that.
Below are some observations from the game.
Observations:
– Ryan Kerrigan got through unblocked for a sack on the first play of the game. Kerrigan was able to fight his way inside and sack Johnny Manziel later in the first quarter for sack number two of the night.
– Robert Griffin III looked good on the opening drive as he went through his progressions, looking at Pierre Garcon at first, then deciding to throw the ball to an open DeSean Jackson.
After starting 5 of 6 for 63 yards, Griffin had pressure coming from the weak side and hopped backward just a little bit as he released the ball Barkevious Mingo was pressing in…the result was a short pass that was intercepted by Browns cornerback Joe Haden. The replay further showed that Roy Helu Jr missed his blocking assignment and Robert was trying to move and had no follow-through on the pass.
Griffin had a nice long ball pass to Andre Roberts for 48 yards on a well-thrown pass. He finished the night 6-8, 112 yards passing and an interception. Coach Gruden said after the game that Griffin had a small thigh contusion he suffered while attempting to slide.
– Alfred Morris must develop better hands on the pitch play, or that play needs to be removed from the playbook when he is in the game…one of the two. Morris fumbled on the first possession of the game and gave Cleveland the ball on the 48-yard line. Over the last three years, the one weakness Alfred has displayed is his ability to hold on to the ball, especially that particular type of play.
– The Redskins first defense reacted well to the read-option from Manziel, he looked shaky against the defensive pressure Jim Haslett dialed up.
– Bashaud Breeland looked solid, the kid knows how to tackle in the open field which is something this team has had issues with across the board. Breeland was all over the field making impact tackle after impact tackle. EJ Biggers and Tracy Porter should be paying attention, if Breeland can keep up this type of play, he will likely pass them both on the depth chart in the near future.
– Kirk Cousins looked smooth and comfortable in Jay Gruden’s system, despite throwing an interception on a tipped pass…of course, Kirk was also facing the Browns second string on defense.
– Trent Murphy was solid, but not overly stellar. One of the major things that stands out about Murphy is his non-stop motor…he really will not give up and goes all out every play. Murphy is more of a finesse style of pass rusher opposed to Orakpo and Kerrigan who are more-so power guys. The little I’ve seen so far from him I like.
– Rookie receiver Ryan Grant continues to impress, four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown. He seems well ahead of his years as it pertains to route-running. He’s starting to look like a lock for the final roster.
– Nick Williams was on the receiving end of a 30-yard Colt McCoy pass late in the 4th quarter that put the Redskins ahead for good.
– Still, no clear-cut leader for the third Redskins roster spot as each guy going for the spot showed something except for Chris Thompson who didn’t play. Silas Redd, Evan Royster, and Lache Seastrunk each had solid time touching the ball. Royster had a nice catch and a touchdown while Seastrunk led all rushers again with five carries for 35 yards. The battle will rage on…
– Kai Forbath was 1/1 on field goals, and Zach Hocker didn’t attempt any. Have to think Forbath won this one…after being outplayed in the first preseason game the placekicker battle now reads Forbath 1 – Hocker 1.
Head Coach Jay Gruden Spoke With the Media Following the Game
Twitter Roundup:
Gruden on tonight’s game: “We had 4 turnovers and we had some key penalties to stop drives.” Said it’s a major point of emphasis.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 19, 2014
Gruden on four runs from within 3-yard line without TD: “We tried to smash it up in there. … Hats off to Cleveland. It’s low man wins.”
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 19, 2014
Gruden: “There’s a lot of good things off of this tape that we can learn from.” Said both sides of the ball played hard.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 19, 2014
Jay Gruden says he preached penalties and no turnovers and they did neither. #Redskins
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania980) August 19, 2014
Niles Paul has a hand contusion ..Trent Williams banged up and Rob Jackson’s shoulder got re-aggravated for #Redskins
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania980) August 19, 2014
Tracy Porter says his hamstring strain is no big deal. Was able to run in the locker room. Will see after off day.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) August 19, 2014
Niles Paul bruised a knuckle when he banged his hand on a helmet. Checked out fine, he said. Won’t miss time.
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) August 19, 2014
Gruden praises rookies CB Bashaud Breeland and WR Ryan Grant. Both had big games tonight. #CLEvsWAS
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 19, 2014
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
