Redskins Defeat Browns 24-23 in Second Preseason Test

Here's everything you need to know from the Redskins VICTORY/LOSS to the Cleveland Browns in their second pre-season game:

Trent Murphy will be used early in his rookie campaign; he was brought in on third down multiple times with the first team defense where the Redskins really look to turn up the pressure. Murphy, Kerrignan, Orakpo, and Hatcher will be a match-up nightmare for opposing offenses.

The offensive unit was up-and-down in their limited action that extended shortly into the second quarter. Alfred Morris coughed the ball up on a pitch that hit him in the hands. RG III threw a bad interception to one of the best corners in the league in Joe Haden. Griffin made a poor decision under pressure and threw the ball up for an easy interception. Griffin didn't have a solid base and didn't plant his back foot on the throw; it looked very much like 2013. Griffin should have thrown the ball away, however, it should also be noted that the Redskins' line and running back (Helu) did a poor job picking up the blitz.

Griffin did have a great read on the second play of the game, where he stood tall in the pocket and ran through his progressions and found the open man downfield. Griffin's development or transition into more of a pocket passer will take time, but plays like this show that Griffin is more than capable.

One last note on Griffin, not that you needed reminded, but he has to do a better job protecting himself. Griffin took some unnecessary hits on a play that was irrelevant for two reasons: 1 its pre-season 2 the play was negated by a penalty. If Griffin wants to be the franchise quarterback he's capable of being he has to do better at tacking unnecessary hits.

I also refuse to believe that an athlete of Griffin's caliber can't learn how to slide properly. If you can teach little leaguer's to slide, you can teach Robert Griffin III. This would help him protect himself and avoid the unnecessary hits I touched on earlier.

Roy Helu did not have his best performance; he did a poor job picking up some blitzes and dropped an easy catch.

Jackson and Griffin appear to be on the same page, as well as Griffin and Roberts. Griffin's perfect deep ball to Roberts at the end of the first quarter was arguably the best play of the starter's time.

The running game is still the strength of the Redskins offense, it may not be in the long term but for now this offense should start with Alfred Morris. In the first pre-season game Jay Gruden ran a very simple offense and ran the ball early and often. However, in the second game with his starting receiver's making their debut Gruden definitely aired the ball out more. Gruden has a reputation for abandoning the run, which is something he cannot do in Washington. It's not something to be concerned about yet, Gruden knows how important getting Griffin reps is, but it is something worth monitoring in the regular season.

The Redskins' starting defense was up and down as well. They had some good plays and good pressure in particular. However, there was some questionable coverage that was covered up by some Browns drops and poor throws from both Hoyer and Manziel.

Bashaud Breeland had a strong performance, Breeland had several physical plays including arguably the hardest hit of the night, and another solid pop on what would have been a fourth down completion. The rookie Clemson product will need to continue to perform at a high level if he wants to get back in the coaches good graces after his run in with police.

Niles Paul is showing his worth as more than a special teams ace, the Nebraska product had several nice completions tonight.

Don't count out Silas Redd for the third running back job. Especially if Chris Thompson cannot stay healthy the third-down back job will come down to Lache Seastrunk, Evan Royster, and Silas Redd. Seastrunk has the explosivness that you want out of a third down back, Royster  has the most experience out of the three, but Redd has quietly played well throughout the pre-season and will at least make it a difficult decision for the Redskins coaches to make.

Bacarri Rambo had a big play forcing a fumble by hitting the ball carrier hard with his shoulder forcing the ball out. However, although a good play Rambo needs to wrap up and tackle with good form rather than dive at the ball carrier, especially after his struggles in 2013.

Rashad Ross has played very well throughout the pre-season. He now has two solid returns on kickoffs, and hauled in a nice pass from Colt McCoy. The Redskins don't have a ton of space on their wide receiver depth chart, but if he can continue to carve out a role as a returner he has an outside shot of making the roster. I would like to see Ross against higher level of competition, even if it is with the second string offense.