So a regional rivalry that wasn't saw both teams win. The Redskins looked sharp on both sides of the ball in carving out a 21-14 halftime lead... and the Ravens reserves rallied their way to a last-minute touchdown and win that nobody will ever forget. The score was 34-31, right? The dress rehearsal went well for the Skins-- and with no OTAs in the offseason one wonders how much the coaching staff feels they need to play the starters next Thursday against Tampa Bay.
Big Play Bang-- all three first half touchdowns came from more than 20 yards out. One running (nice cutback from Tim Hightower)... one passing (a sweet throw by Rex Grossman) and one on defense (DeAngelo Hall getting the Skins on the board with an exclamation point). It seems as though the last couple years have been devoid of the home run ball-- and it's always nice to shorten the field.
Rex & Beck's Battle Royale-- Mr. Grossman completed 8 of 15 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown while John connected on 6 of 10 throws for 108 yards and a score. The duo's difference-- Beck threw an INT. The key stretch for Grossman was late in the first half when he went 6 of 8 for 85 yards and the go-ahead score just before intermission. That drive didn't save his job-- but it keeps #8 in the conversation. Beck's interception may keep the contest alive a little longer... but conventional wisdom has #12 with the upper hand; not only is he going to have to lose the job- Grossman has to emphatically win it.
Ground game keeps lifting me Hightower-- after a 37 yard scamper for a score, Tim Hightower continued to lay claim to the starting runningback job by leading the Skins in rushing (9 carries for 56 yards). And although the Skins were held to just 103 yards rushing, they averaged a robust 4.5 yards a carry. Can Ryan Torrain return before Labor Day to provide a legitimate challenge to the ex-Cardinal?
Ask and Ye Shall Receive-- Terrence Austin caught 5 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown while Santana Moss added 3 grabs for 51 yards and a score. Anthony Armstrong and Jabar Gaffney also got into the act; potentially providing whomever plays at quarterback this fall with more than a few options. Leonard Hankerson remains a peripheral project.
Walking Wounded-- Big blow for the Skins growth into a 3-4 defense as Jarvis Jenkins left the game with a torn ACL-- the rookie defensive lineman is done for the year. Tight end Chris Cooley remains in the land of limbo with a sore knee... how important will his absence be once the games are for real?
Third and Forever-- Despite moving the football again, the offense had issues moving the chains... 3 of 11 not the most inspiring.
Grading the D-- four sacks... two interceptions and a fumble recovery give one reason for optimism. And allowing 13 fourth quarter points doesn't have the ultimate sting because a lot of the players on the field at the end of a preseason game aren't going to be around much longer.
Flying the flag-- eight penalties is not ideal-- although only two resulted in a first down for the Ravens.
Gano gets it done-- the Redskins kicker continues to stay safe by making a 48 yard kick and converting on all four extra points.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment