Redskins vs. Ravens: Snap Counts

The Redskins meaningless preseason win streak was finally snapped as they fell to the Baltimore Ravens 23 to 17 in this nearly annual preseason addition of the battle of the beltways.  However, that is not what's important about this game.  In the preseason, the most useful information can be gleaned from a player's usage.  In these games it's more about the snaps, than the stats.  The third preseason game is considered to be the dress rehearsal or warm-up for the fast approaching regular season.  So, if there's any game that would give us a good idea or indication of what we can expect to see in the regular season, it's this one.

Offensive Takeaways

• Thirty-two players played over the course of 60 offensive snaps (lowest offensive snap total of preseason).
• The first-team offense played for the entire first half and one play of the second half (Griffin's interception). They recorded 25 snaps (42%) on 7 drives.
• The offensive starters actually played in less total snaps and in a fewer percentage of them than they did last week. So much for a dress rehearsal, huh? Maybe we wanted to show off our Sunday best on Monday night football against Johnny Football and the Browns.
• Typically, the starters see the biggest increase in playing time from week 2 to week 3 of the preseason. However, In this game, the playing time of Ryan Grant, Santana Moss and Roy Helu increased the most.
• With the exclusion of Morgan Mosses (injury), Mike McGlynn, Stephen Campbell and Josh LeRibeus saw the biggest drop in snaps and snap percentage.
• For the first time since their signings Ted Bolser, Matt Veldman, Rashad Ross, Rashad Lawrence, Lee Doss and Cody Hoffman did not record an offensive snap. That probably doesn't bode well for their chances of making the final 53. That is, unless of course, they were injured.
• Spencer Long played at right guard with the starting offense for 1 drive and 7 snaps (23% of Long's snaps). Current starting right guard, Chris Chester, shifted over to center on that drive.
• Alfred Morris out-snapped Roy Helu 16 to 9 with the first-team offense. Six of Helu's nine snaps came on 3rd down. Only one of Helu's snaps came on first down, and only one of Morris' snaps came on third down.
• The first-team offense scored just 6 points in the preseason (2 field goals).
• Kirk Cousins threw for more passing yards and touchdowns in his first 7 pass attempts and first drive (13 snaps), than Robert Griffin did the whole night (8 passes, 7 drives and 25 snaps). The second-team offense outdid the starters on that drive alone (81 yards and 7 points to 40 yards and 3 points).
• Morgan Moses (62%), Tom Compton (55%), Spencer Long (52%) and Aldrick Robinson (50%) are the only offensive players to have participated in over 50% of the total preseason offensive snaps.

Defensive Takeaways

• Thirty-two players played over the course of 66 defensive snaps.
• The first-team defense played in 40 of those 66 snaps (61%).
• Unlike the first-team offense, the defensive starter's snap counts almost doubled from last week's numbers.
• Chris Baker's playing time increased more than any other defensive player.
• Chase Minnifield, Adam Hayward and Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith saw the biggest drop in playing time.
• For the first time since their signings, the following defensive players did not record a defensive snap: Jake McDonough, Robert Thomas, Jeremey Towns, Jeremey Kimbrough, Adrian Robisinson, Akeem Davis and Ross Madison.
• In contrast to the offense, the starting defense only allowed 13 points (2 FGs and 1 TD) this preseason. Who would've guessed? Unfortunately, 10 of those points were allowed in last night's game.
• Will Compton (62%), Bacarri Rambo (60%), Bashaud Breeland (50%) and Trenton Robinson (43%) have recorded the most preseason snaps on the defensive side of the ball through 3 games.

Special Teams Takeaways

• Fifty-eight players played over the course of 27 special teams snaps.
• Gabe Miller, Everette Brown and Adam Hayward saw the most action.
• Silas Redd, Kedric Golston and Brandon Meriweather's snap counts and percentages increased the most on the special teams unit.
• Gabe Miller, Adam Hayward and Trenton Robinson have seen the most special teams playing time thus far in the preseason. This certainly can't hurt their chances.

Redskins vs. Patriots: Snap Counts

Redskins vs. Browns: Snap Counts