Preseason Week 1: Redskins Vs. Browns - Studs and Duds

The Redskins second defense started the night against the Browns starters, and looked awful in a 2-minute situation that resulted in Baker Mayfield going 6-7 for 77 yards and a touchdown. The team settled down after that, but the offense never looked in rhythm on the evening, and struggled to put up points in a 30-10 loss.

Below are my Studs and Duds of the game. Now, I was a bit lenient in my grading last night, as this was the first preseason game and most of the starters did not play.

Studs:

Robert Davis - It was great just seeing Davis back on the field after a horrible leg injury ruined what could have been a promising sophomore season for the receiver in 2018. Davis showed good quickness and excellent speed on the evening running past defenders early on for what would have been a big reception if it wasn’t for a pass interference when the defensive back grabbed his arm as the ball was coming down. He caught a 46 yard touchdown later from Case Keenum on a blown coverage by the Browns defensive backs.

Jimmy Moreland - The People’s Corner was as advertised...a pure playmaker!. He played both inside and outside, and although he did give up some plays, he was also in position all evening, and made a few very impressive pass break-ups. He also added two forced fumbles inside the five yard line that were recovered by the Redskins defense.

Cassanova McKinzy - McKinzy looked very good coming off the edge last night. We haven’t had his type of speed since Junior Galette - who happened to wear the same number as McKinzy. He didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his presence was felt non-the-less. He did recover the fumble Moreland knocked out by the goalline.

Ryan Anderson - Anderson flashed a few times last evening against the Browns reserves, showing the ability to get skinny and make a great tackle for a loss in the backfield on a run to the opposite side, and record half a sack.

Jeremy Reaves - Reaves quietly had himself a good evening against the Browns reserves Thursday night. He was active against the run, making some very nice tackles, and always seem to be in place in the passing game. Basically the complete opposite of Troy Apke.

Duds:

Dwayne Haskins Jr. - It was not a good evening for the rookie. Mind you, he had some bright spots and you can clearly see the talent, but the game was moving too fast for him last night, and he forced some throws that he shouldn’t have, and didn’t put the necessary air on some that needed to be - resulting in two interceptions(one which was a pick-six). He was however very impressive with his scrambling ability and some of the throws he made on the run were simply WOW throws. Things will only get better from here as he learns the game.

Timon Parris - You could not play a much worse game than Parris played last night. He had multiple holding calls, a false start, and was regularly beaten like a drum in pass protection. His run blocking was no better, as every time the team attempted a run to his side his defender was in the backfield.

Troy Apke - Apke lined up with the first team defense at free safety last evening and struggled mightily in coverage. He gave up the early touchdown when he misjudged a thrown from Baker Mayfield down the center of the field that resulted in an easy score. He looked lost most of the time when he was in the game. He had one nice tackle where he came downhill and wrapped up the ball carrier for a short game in traffic, but he also had another where he was drug five yards before he brought the man to the ground.

Notes:

- Flowers did have a bad hold on a nice Perine run, but overall, I though he held his own at guard. He absolutely planted a guy in pass protection on completed pass from Haskins to Kidsy.

- Besides the play where Garrett timed the snap perfectly, and Christian was forced to grab him to prevent a sack, I though the left tackle played pretty well early in the game.

- Settle flashed a few times on the defensive line, recording a nice tackle for a loss. He looked quick!

- Bee looked good against the Browns reserves, getting penetration into the backfield on a few occasions, and recording a sack.

- I know Perine got absolutely destroyed by the Browns defensive tackle in the second quarter, but I have to think that was blown protection by Zac Kerin.

- Holcomb showed good awareness in coverage. His run fits were a bit slow, but that will come with time. You can see the speed and change of direction skills.