(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Redskins completed their third preseason game on Friday night with a 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots. The 3rd game of the preseason is always the most significant and worthwhile as we usually get to see our starting heroes adorn the field for two or three quarters. This is the closest snapshot we will have of our team before opening day, where many questions are answered and even more created. And because of ESPN’s love fest with their golden boy Tom Brady you probably were unable to see any Redskin highlights from the game if you were out of market. So to make up for our Worldwide “Unbiased” Leader in Sports Media here are a few things I picked up while spending the last evening of my Bahamian vacation spent watching the burgundy and gold.
Jason Campbell has improved in his decision making and it appears Jim Zorn is gaining more confidence in him. We saw Campbell attacking more downfield and he was able to move the ball through the air very effectively. Although Jason didn’t pass for a touchdown he ran for a score which highlights his improved decision making even more. I was also impressed with his poise as he led the Redskins back to tie the score after falling behind by 10. The only negative I saw from JC was his long ball. He still has not been able to accurately throw over 40 yards missing a wide open Santana Moss that had beaten his man by a good five yards. A play that would have resulted in a sure touchdown. The problem with Jason’s passes is that they lack an arch which makes it difficult for receivers running fly routes to judge the distance and velocity of the ball. Perhaps his arm is too strong for his own good.
Other aspects Redskins fans can be encouraged by are the development of their young receivers Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, and Fred Davis. All have stood out in different ways during the preseason. It looks like Thomas will see much more playing time during the regular season and eventually develop into the #2 receiver on the roster. Malcolm Kelly will surely be used often on third downs and inside the red zone as the Redskins plan to take advantage of his size and strength. Davis could start at tight end for a number of teams but he has had a case of fumblitis. Also Chris Cooley is a fan favorite and a top five player at the position already. Perhaps the draft pick extended to Fred Davis could have been better utilized on an Offensive Lineman.
The Offensive Line of the Redskins continued to struggled at times and could be described as average at best. This was especially noteable in the run game as Clinton Portis ran for only 8 yards on 6 carries. Portis, the Redskins Starting Prima Donna would skip preseason all together if it was up to him so the lack of productivity may not all be on the Offensive Line, however even Portis running at 50% should have gained more yards. The pass blocking was was sporadic. Campbell was hit and hurried several times and was almost rushed into an interception. From what I saw Friday night, our HOGS version 7.3 appeared much like last years version, faltering during the second half of the season and giving Campbell little time to go through his progressions with little running game to help set up the play action.
