Washington Redskins: Offensive Round-Up For Preseason Week 2 vs. Jets

The Washington Redskins had a solid game against the New York Jets, but these were some of the key offensive performers from their effort.

The Redskins had some excellent individual efforts on offense in their 22-18 victory over the Jets. Rashad Ross made some good catches as did roster long-shot Kendal Thompson. Thompson pulled in a one-handed grab in the end zone to win the game. He also caught the two-point conversion that put the team up by more than a field goal. Granted, Thompson’s effort was against the Jets third team defense and it is not exactly clear why he used only one hand to make the grab, but it was nonetheless spectacular.

The major focus heading into the Jets preseason game was the disappointing running game against the Atlanta Falcons the previous week. Against the Jets in the first half, the offensive line was clearing the way for some very nice runs by Chris Thompson and Matt Jones who each averaged over four yards per carry, considerably better than in Week 1 of the preseason. Spencer Long looked strong at center as Joe Theismann pointed out. He thought Long was Kory Lichtensteiger on a play and paid compliments to the latter before recognizing it was the former.

Jones had some very nice runs through the holes created by the line. However, concerns about his health have reemerged as he went down for the rest of the preseason with a sprained shoulder. Robert Kelley had one nice six yard run, but as the No. 2 running back he only averaged 2.7 yards on three carries. One of his runs raised some red flags. It came on a fourth and inches situation in the redzone. The offensive line didn’t move the Jets defensive line but they didn’t get pushed back, either. Kelley went untouched until he reached the line but he looked tentative as he approached. He could not convert and the Jets offense came onto the field.

Jamison Crowder looks thicker than he did last year so those one-handed grabs to his jersey don’t bring him down. Even though his reception and dash to the endzone was called back due to a Maurice Harris penalty, it was still a nice run after the catch. Harris did cost the team a touchdown but that might have been a timing issue. He blocked the man covering him while the ball was still in the air and beyond 5-yards from the line of scrimmage. What he did would have been fine had it been after Crowder caught the ball. Ryan Grant caught a couple of passes and got up the field, as well.

Related Story: Redskins vs. Bills Matchups To Watch

T.J. Thorpe, an undrafted free agent out of Virginia, saw a lot of playing time as he returned punts, a kick-off and also got playing time at wide receiver. He dropped a ball on third down that would’ve been a first down that would have allowed the team to keep the ball, use more clock, and protect their lead. Valdez Showers played well against the third team and showed some explosiveness when he picked up a first down by avoiding tacklers until he got past the marker.

The Redskins offense dominated the first half finishing with a 14 – 2 lead. Their first quarter numbers below were gaudy even though it didn’t translate to the scoreboard, as the team trailed 2-0 heading to the second quarter.

Jets                                                      Redskins

2                  Passing Yards                      61

0                  Passing Yards                      66

2                  Total Yards                         127

3                  Total Plays                            23

1:02            Time of Possession       13:58

Overall, the offense looked good against a stout Jets defense. With the line playing well, Colt McCoy was able to get reps with more of the first team and he played well. He made only one bad decision on the opening drive with an errant throw into the endzone that was intercepted.

must read: What Will Josh Norman Bring To The Redskins Defense?

The running game took a step forward and step back with Jones running well but getting hurt. Sean McVay’s play calling against the Jets spread the ball around but avoided the tight ends most of the night as the team is obviously looking at running backs and wide receivers at this point in the preseason. The coaches looked at a lot of players and the picture is getting clearer. Still, cuts are going to be harder than they’ve been in a while for this franchise.