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Redskins Recap: Team blows 17-point lead in preseason opener

By Jacob Camenker

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Sony Michel #51 of the New England Patriots and Vincent Valentine #99 tackle Byron Marshall #34 of the Washington Redskins during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Sony Michel #51 of the New England Patriots and Vincent Valentine #99 tackle Byron Marshall #34 of the Washington Redskins during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Redskins had a solid opening half to their preseason. However, their reserves faltered down the stretch and they lost to the New England Patriots 18-17.

The result of the Redskins first preseason game wasn’t what most fans wanted. After jumping out to a 17-0 lead, it looked like they were about to get the best of Bill Belichick and the Patriots. However, they allowed 26 unanswered points in the second half and ended up blowing the game as a result, losing 26-17. So, the team was dealt a loss, but there were still plenty of positives to take out of the first preseason game.

Colt McCoy was one of the stars for the Redskins in this contest. He played most of the first half for the team and put up great numbers, going 13-of-18 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. The numbers illustrate how he played, as he took advantage of some open receivers but put accurate, well-placed passes right on their hands. It’s clear that McCoy will be the backup and in the event of an injury to Alex Smith, he should be able to lead this team to some victories.

McCoy did receive some help from his receiving corps, and Maurice Harris notably looked good. Harris started the game by catching the first two passes thrown his way, displaying great route running skills and beating top Patriots corner Stephon Gilmore. Even better, Harris had a nice toe-drag touchdown catch in the end zone after working his way open. He finished the day with three catches, 22 yards, and the score and appears to have a stranglehold on the No. 4 receiver spot.

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Elsewhere in the receiving corps, Robert Davis got a chance to showcase his athletic ability after catching a pass and running across the field. He was a favorite of McCoy and saw four targets (second to only Harris). Cam Sims also looked very good when on the field, and he had one of the highlights of the night, a 57-yard touchdown that saw him catch a pass in the open field, make a couple men miss, and almost score. He has placed himself in the battle for the No. 6 receiver spot.

The battle in the run game was interesting, to say the least. Derrius Guice‘s shifty ability showed in the contest, and Samaje Perine showed better vision as well. He still needs to run with better power though, and it appears that Rob Kelley, who saw a goal-line carry, is still ahead of him on the Washington depth chart.

On the defensive side of the ball, the results were similarly mixed. In the first half, the unit looked great. In the second half, they couldn’t stop the Patriots from marching down the field. Of course, it was the difference between the second and the third string that made the difference, so that won’t happen during the regular season.

The players that shined on defense came in the secondary. Greg Stroman and Danny Johnson both made some plays, and they are really making the battle at cornerback interesting. Stroman’s return ability would seem to give him a more defined role on the roster, but Adonis Alexander and Orlando Scandrick should be scared by the progress that Johnson has made quickly in his NFL career.

There were some bright plays for the team’s new draft picks on defense as well. Troy Apke had a nice pass deflection on third down, where he stayed disciplined in his zone and got a hand to the ball. Tim Settle was one of the lone bright spots for the team in the second half as a monster run stuffer. Shaun Dion Hamilton shot the gaps pretty well at times and appears to have good instincts. So, that should help him win a job with the team moving forward.

Vontae Diggs, an undrafted free agent from UConn, also had some good moments. In particular, he broke into the backfield and stuffed Ralph Webb for a tackle for loss midway through the fourth quarter. Diggs probably won’t mak the roster, but he might have practice squad potential.

Next. Scouting all of Redskins undrafted free agents. dark

The Redskins couldn’t finish this game, but they still did fairly well, particularly in the first half. They brought energy and when their starters are in, they will have a chance to win. Compared to last year’s preseason opener, there is certainly more hope for this squad.

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