What we learned from Washington's first preseason game of 2017.
BALTIMORE, Md. — The Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens kicked off the preseason Thursday night in Baltimore, with the home side winning 23-3.
Here are a few observations and takeaways from Game 1 of the preseason.
First-team offense flat
Jay Gruden worries about injuries in preseason, just as everyone really does, so with that being said, it was no surprise to see the starters for only two possessions.
It was a little of a surprise seeing as how the offense went three-and-out twice, failed to gain a yard and showed no rhythm at all. In fact, the Redskins did very little right in the first half.
On the opening drive, Cousins threw incomplete to Terrell Pryor. Rob Kelley gained two yards and then Cousins was sacked for a loss of eight. The second drive began with a Rob Kelley four-yard gain. Cousins then completed a pass to Kelley for five yards, followed by a loss of four by Kelley.
Total yards: -1
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
Second-team offense shaky as well
Colt McCoy took over on the third possession and proceeded to go three-and-out as well. McCoy finished the half going 6-13 for 40 yards and threw one interception. The Redskins gained just 47 yards in the first half, netting only four first downs.
Rookie running back Samaje Perine got the first carries with the second team. He appeared to show a little bit of first-game jitters. He fumbled once, which he recovered, and then dropped a pass on the next play. He finished with 15 yards on six carries in his debut.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
Defensive rookies show promise
The team’s top two draft picks from April, Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson, saw action on the second defensive possession. Anderson immediately showed off some speed, making a number of plays, including tackles in the open field.
Allen recorded his first sack of the preseason, staying with the play and chasing down Ryan Mallet. Free agent linebacker Zach Brown made his presence felt early on as well.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
Notables from the second half
Nate Sudfeld started the half at quarterback and the Redskins got on the board with a drive that led to a 49-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins. Sudfeld played the entire second half finishing 5/12 for 68 yards. The Redskins managed only eight first downs and 138 yards of total offense.
Rookie linebacker Nico Marley made a decent first impression. He registered four total tackles and recorded a sack in the third quarter. Jay Gruden has liked the way he’s progressed throughout camp thus far.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
Murphy, Cravens injury casualties
Staying healthy is crucial in the preseason. Linebacker Trent Murphy was one notable injury Thursday, as he went down in the first quarter with a knee sprain. Murphy is already suspended for the first four games of the year. Safety Su’a Cravens also injured his knee and did not return. Both players will undergo MRIs.
(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
