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Redskins: 5 Standouts from the team’s first preseason game of 2018

By Jacob Camenker

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins makes a pass 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 : Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins makes a pass 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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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Running back Samaje Perine #32 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Running back Samaje Perine #32 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

5. RB Samaje Perine

I’m admittedly biased towards Perine, but I really thought that he outplayed his primary competition for the backup RB position (Rob Kelley).

While Kelley was able to grind out a couple of short-yardage first downs, Perine showed better vision and the ability to find the hole and get into open space. This was evident on his first run of the day, a 14-yard scamper that saw him quickly identify the open hole, run towards it, absorb some contact down the field, and get a first down. It was a good highlight for the Oklahoma product, who some thought might be on the trading block.

Perine still does have some issues, particularly when running between the tackles. He runs with high pad level and that makes him less likely to fall forward and gain tough yards. In short, he needs to learn how to be more of a power runner, given that he has the strength to be one at the NFL level.

Of all the backs in action tonight not named Derrius Guice, Perine showed the most as a potential backup. He simply has the skills needed to be a solid back-end part of a one-two punch. I know that Jay Gruden loves Kelley, but he has to open his eyes and see that Perine has more potential. This performance proved that for sure.

I’m not certain Perine will be a Redskin after this preseason. But after one week, I can safely say that he is beating Kelley in his position battle. It will be interesting to see if he can continue that trend moving forward.

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