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Redskins Breakdown: Depth performs well in win over Tampa Bay

By Jacob Camenker

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Nate Sudfeld #2 of the Washington Redskins throws to an open receiver during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Nate Sudfeld #2 of the Washington Redskins throws to an open receiver during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Passing Game: Maurice Harris, Matt Hazel impress in extensive playing time

Before the final preseason contest, I listed Maurice Harris as one of the players who would be fighting for a spot on the team. With a heated battle for the final two spots on the team between Brian Quick, Robert Davis, and Harris, the California product was at a disadvantage.

Harris had barely seen the field over the course of the preseason due to a nagging injury. In his absence, Davis did enough to prove that he is ready for the big time and the Redskins may have trouble getting him onto the practice squad. Because of this, Harris had to perform well to keep pace in the competition.

Harris did just that. He played most of the game on offense and was also the primary returner on special teams. On the offensive side of the ball, Harris showed the ability to work as a possession receiver and ran good routes for most of the game. He had a nice downfield catch on a throw from Sudfeld and the Redskins will now have a tough decision to make on Harris. Especially since his skills catching the ball as a return man were excellent.

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Meanwhile, another less familiar name impressed as well. Matt Hazel, a journeyman veteran who was on the Redskins practice squad for part of last year, made some nice catches. I said this about him in my immediate postgame wrap up.

Hazel was extremely impressive and had four catches for 60 yards in the first half. One of his best plays came on a route to the sideline that saw him jump and high point a ball while tapping his toes in bounds to make the catch. Hazel didn’t have much buzz surrounding him, but the Redskins may need to try to find a spot for him on the roster. However, it seems more likely that he will be a practice squad player.

Despite the fact that he seems destined for the practice squad, the Redskins have to be happy that they found another player to enhance their organizational depth. Hazel could end up on the active roster at some point if the Redskins top receivers continue to struggle with injury issues.

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