At the end of the game, we came away without injuries and with some good on-field experience. For me, that is a win. I wanted to see more, but I appreciate that we didn't lose anyone in the name of points. I call it progress.
First Things First
Dear Robert, Please don't chase down fumble recoveries in the preseason. Pretty please. I love the heart, but I'm pretty sure there was a collective gasp across Redskins Nation as we watched it. I think I stopped breathing. I did, however, like the end zone jump with Garcon after the TD. Just please be careful. I would've enjoyed seeing Griffin air it out a little more, as I'm sure most people would have, but he looked calm and in control on the field, comfortable in the pocket and confident his O-line would keep him safe, which they did (thanks for that). And to no one's surprise, he held a fantastic presser after the game, poised as usual with all the right answers. I'm so happy to have this guy in Washington.
Secondary Defense
No news here, I love our defense, but they were a secondary story line. I couldn't wait to see them on field because I knew I would see the power and strength they embody and I was excited to watch the new additions. And they delivered, with some noticeable flashes along the way. The scab refs still won't call holding for Orkapo (thanks @_JakeRussell), who continues to get held like a baby - of course that didn't stop his partner in crime, second year stud Ryan Kerrigan, from sacking Fitzpatrick. The secondary looked fine, with DHall looked better closer to the line and Merriweather and Barnes both getting hands on balls without actually coming away with the INT. I wanted push-ups right then and there. Oh well. The biggest story on D for me was the performance by rookie CB Richard Crawford - he returned punts, laid out big hits and had the only INT of the game. He gives me great hope for the future of our secondary. I'd also like to give shout outs to nose tackles Baker and Neild and to our goal line D - great performances by all.
Receiving Wide
Dude, I am really upset we didn't see more Hankerson. Really. I understand that, while Griffin was in, we focused on the run, but I was so excited to see #85, who has looked great in camp, in action during a game. The man we did, however, see a lot of is our new #1 receiver, Mr. Pierre Garcon. Griffin connected with Garcon on a 20 yard pass for the only TD of the night. It was a nice, solid scoring play, but I didn't see fireworks. What I did see is that he and Griffin have a great synergy and camaraderie both on and off the field and I really like that. Oh, and can we please save the somersaults for regular season scores? Thanks in advance. Love, the fans who don't want to see you get injured. As for the young guns, I thought Robinson and Austin both played well last night. They are powerful and you can see the effort they are putting into it.
Run, Morris, Run
Wow - what a break out performance by the rookie out of Florida Atlantic (Where? Do they play Mike Sellers's alma mater?). Alfred Morris was a stud last night. He made big hits, powered through tackles and found the holes. Morris is a player to watch this year, especially in a system that highlights multiple RBs. I was fairly disappointed in Royster and Helu, though the latter a little less so. Royster just didn't get the yardage and couldn't seem to find the holes. He picked things up a little before Helu took over, but I'll be hoping to see improvement next week against the Bears.
Paulsen over Paul?
I'm sad to say that the butterfingers Niles Paul had in camp seem to have joined him in Buffalo. Last night, Paul either dropped the ball or missed it all together. He got a lot of looks, too, but he just couldn't seem to make anything of them. I like Paul and I want to see him succeed, but he's going to have to show a lot of progress over the next few games if he is going to be a play maker on this team. Logan Paulsen, who has often been criticized for the same issue, is showing progress and continues to provide solids blocks. He's not a star and Paul certainly still has the advantage over him, but Paulsen is a known quantity and I like having him around to maintain depth at TE.
Taking it to the Banks
Brandon Banks was all over the field last night, returning kicks and trying to prove his worth as a receiver. You can't say he doesn't give it his all, but I'm afraid he is going to have to dig a little deeper if he wants to stay on the roster as a WR. Banks had some drops, some slips and failed to stay in bounds on one good catch, but the real problem I saw was his inability to create separation. On too many plays, Banks was tangled up with the player covering him, not focusing on getting open until it was too late to make a difference.
Scabs
I know they are the second string (Third string? Practice squad?) of refs, but wow. There is a penalty in the NFL known as holding. Please look into it.
I'm not talking about Rex, who was in a familiar position last night (thanks @HomerMcFanboy for the pic).
And so, it is progress. And it will continue. And then oh, the places we'll go.
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