Redskins Dominate Bills in 30-7 Victory

Aug 24, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman (8) warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Without Kirk Cousins and nose tackle Barry Cofield, the Redskins made a statement last night smashing the Buffalo Bills 30-7. While the game might have been a meaningless preseason game, nobody likes to lose that bad, just ask Bill Belichick after the Patriots lost to Detroit 40-9.

Unfortunately there’s always some bad news, which has been the case for the Redskins so far this preseason. Cornerback Richard Crawford, who might be known better for his 64-yard punt return in overtime against Baltimore last season, tore his LCL ligament and is done for the season.

One player who might be not so tore up about hearing that is Josh Wilson, who some projected would be cut by the Washington Redskins at the end of preseason. With Crawford’s injury, the Redskins have no choice but to keep Wilson around, who was called for a 34-yard pass interference call the first play against Buffalo.

A major positive from yesterdays game might be how well the Redskins managed to stop the rush against the Buffalo Bills, with starting nose tackle Barry Cofield out due to a broken bone in his hand. Washington will need him present on the field Week 1 against a dangerous Philadelphia Eagles ground game, but if he is unable to, Chris Neild should be able to do the job just fine.

Miss tackles still appear to be the main issue for the Washington Redskins, as many of Buffalo’s few first downs were picked up due to the overrunning of routes and failure to wrap up. Washington will find that a major problem come Week 1 against Philadelphia who has LeSeanMcCoy whom has been known for causing major miss tackles, not to mention Michael Vick who can cause headaches for defensive players.

Aug 24, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) avoids the tackle by Washington Redskins linebacker Rob Jackson (50) during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Jenkins brought some excitement as he was able to take down Kevin Kolb who was attempting to escape the Redskins pass rush. Even though being down on the field, Jenkins managed to crawl on the ground and take Kolb’s legs out from underneath him.

Besides the miss tackles and a play or two, the Redskins defense looked the best against Buffalo, and the best since 2011 when they finished 13th in the NFL as a whole.

Besides Rex Grossman’s one pass that should have been an easy pick-six as it was thrown directly into the defenders hands yet dropped (Theismann believes Robinson ran the wrong route), he (Grossman) looked impressive and made fans feel better that if he is the man who is called upon this season for whatever reason, that there’s a good chance he could get the job done.

Aug 24, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Pat White (5) rolls out to avoid the rush by Buffalo Bills linebacker Jamaal Westerman (93) during the second half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Pat White looked better running the option again, but unfortunately he still continues to struggle in the passing department which is what will most likely cost him a chance at making the team. While a running quarterback threat is needed in the option, so is a passing one to set up the play action — so far White has been unsuccessful at that.

Roy Helu continues to struggle at running the stretch, but his running between the tackles has improved and most likely has secured him a roster spot on the team, the question however is who takes the third, with Alfred Morris already number one? Evan Royster hasn’t seen much playing time and most likely will be the odd man out. Chris Thompson still might not be ready, but the Redskins might not be able to send him to the practice squad without someone picking him up. Jawan Jamison didn’t get a single carry, making the poor man’s Ray Rice an odd fit this season (but he could see the practice squad).

With Leonard Hankerson continuing to struggle, Aldrick Robinson has made the most out of his starts, hauling in 61 yards off just four receptions. If Hankerson doesn’t get it together, Robinson might overcome his spot on the roster this season.

Jordan Reed is showing why the Redskins took him with their third pick, and has shown a lot of the Aaron Hernandez style of play (yes I said it). Logan Paulsen continues to dominate in the pass game, and Niles Paul’s blocking as improved drastically. This might make the tight end position the deepest on the team this season.

While there’s still a lot of answers to be told with the Redskins rookies and players trying to make the team, such as Dezmon Briscoe and Nick Williams, the team overall looks like one ready to contend for another NFC East title, the question is will their preseason play rollover into the regular season.