Washington Redskins: First-team offense still far from impressive
By Donny Starr
The Washington Redskins first-team offense wasn’t prepared to sit until they scored a touchdown in the 2017 NFL Preseason
After the team was denied a touchdown entirely in their preseason debut against the Baltimore Ravens, the Washington Redskins clearly didn’t want the first-team offense to repeat the dubious feat. After being held without six early, though, they refused to go quietly.
Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins drove the ball 78 yards late in the second quarter (and against a second-team defense) to make the elusive touchdown happen, connecting with wide receiver Jamison Crowder for a four-yard touchdown. This was only one of two end zone attempts. The other was to tight end Fred Davis, which was incomplete. Otherwise, the first-team pass attack was lacking and out of sync.
The Packers second-team offense didn’t help make Washington’s job on offense any easier.
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In his first series, backup quarterback Brett Hundley went five plays, 73 yards to score the Packer’s second touchdown of the first half, putting more pressure on the Redskins offense to convert a touchdown. Cousins finished his second preseason game completing 14-of-23 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. Backup Colt McCoy took over in the third quarter.
Areas still needing improvement: Besides the struggles in both pass and run games, there were the penalties. From false starts, to hands to the face, to being caught with too many men on the field, the Redskins still have a long way to go in discipline and awareness on the field.
Bright Spots: If there were any bright spots in the first-team showing Saturday night, it comes from seeing wide receiver Josh Docston finally playing in a game. Only playing in two games last season, it’s been a priority for the Redskins to get him game ready. Wide receiver Ryan Grant also did well, catching two balls for seven yards. He was targeted four times. Doctson caught one for 12 yards and was targeted twice.
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Final Thoughts: The Redskins needed this push. I thought it was a good decision by head coach Jay Gruden to keep the first-team offense in the game until they scored. They needed that motivation. Having a goal in these preseason games could help Cousins and company get the rhythm they so desperately need.