In their second preseason game, the Washington Redskins defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 16-3. This was the second consecutive game the Redskins scored 16 points and held their opponents to one offensive score.
Do we have reason to hope, having gone undefeated so far in the preseason?
While most people don't put a lot of weight into preseason wins, I feel as though what we've seen so far (two decisive wins against quality opponents) is reason enough to believe that Redskin fans can expect an improved season.
The game against the Colts, albeit without team-figurehead Peyton Manning, was the second game in a row that the defense looked like it belonged in the top-five of the league. The 'Skins defense put continual pressure on the quarterback, made tough tackles, and were in or around every pass attempt.
Without marquee starters London Fletcher, Laron Landry, and newcomer Oshiomogho Atogwe, the defense allowed only one field goal. This 55-yard field goal came in the 3rd quarter by one of the best kickers of the last decade, Adam Vinatieri.
Now, again, I admit that the Colts were without Manning and only played their offensive pro-bowlers sparingly, but a win is a win, and it's a whole lot better than losing.
John Beck started the game at quarterback and played the entire first half. The only touchdown of the game came on the first drive with him under center: a 1-yard plunge by Tim Hightower who on the second play of that same drive busted loose for a 58-yard gain.
If it weren't for a goal-line tackle, Beck would've lit up the scoreboard with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jabar Gaffney which would have punctuated the opening drive much better than the 1-yard dive by Hightower. Instead, the result of Beck's only completion of the drive was a 19-yard gain.
Beck's play on the field was highly-anticipated this preseason, simply because of the confidence he had despite his pathetic on-the-field resume. After one half of watching Beck play, my only knock on him is that he throws the ball from the 3/4 position, and not over the top.
Beck proved to be mobile, accurate, and poised in the pocket. He extended plays with his legs, hit receivers in stride, and seemed immune to the pressure around him. That's all you can ask for. Let's hope he can do it again tonight against the Ravens.
As promised, I will highlight the play of the wide receivers, but I must take a moment to focus on the running of 4th round pick Roy Helu.
After a solid first game running against the Steelers, Helu was still outshone by fellow rookie and Penn State draftpick, Evan Royster. This week however, Helu seized the starting opportunity and ran for 101 yards on 14 carries, a 7.2 per/carry average.
One play stuck out in the game against the Colts: on the fourth drive of the game, coming in the second quarter, Helu took a hand-off to the left and started down field. After already gaining the first down, Helu found himself on the sidelines surrounded by defenders.
Some would just step out of bounds, happy with the first down; not Helu.
Helu tip-toed the sideline, surprising his defenders and as a result, gaining an extra 15 yards. That decision-making cannot be taught: that desire to keep going and win comes from within.
The receiver play against the Colts played second-fiddle to the running game, as any good Mike Shannahan offense would have it. However, a few receivers are staking their claim for an influential role on the team.
Although it has been reported Leonard Hankerson has had a case of the drops throughout training camp, his physical presence and big-play ability seem to be enough to take a chance on him. Against the Colts, "Hank" caught three balls for 46 yards, with two big catches across the middle of the field, exposing his body. One more solid game against the Ravens should solidify his spot on the team as the number 3 or 4 receiver.
Terrence Austin, originally thought to come in as the kick/punt returner, has proven to be a very dynamic wide receiver who's elusiveness on returns translates to our receiving corps. Austin caught three balls for only 23 yards, but was targeted twice on third down. One of his catches extended one drive while the other came one yard short, giving Graham Gano a closer look at his 27-yard field goal.
Tonight's game against the Ravens is where these two receivers will make or break their position on the team. Look for Hankerson to catch at least four balls, hopefully minimizing his drops. And, look for Austin to continue to solidly return punts and kicks, while being a target on third downs for quarterbacks.
(Jonathan Wigginton is the Senior Writer for the Washington Redskins)
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