Riggo's Rag
FanSided

5 bold predictions for Redskins vs. Ravens in preseason Week 3

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Quarterback Kevin Hogan #8 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by defensive back Terrence Brooks #23 of the New York Jets in the second half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Quarterback Kevin Hogan #8 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by defensive back Terrence Brooks #23 of the New York Jets in the second half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 3: Tight end J.P. Holtz #86 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates his touchdown reception with full back George Aston #35 in the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on October 3, 2015 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 3: Tight end J.P. Holtz #86 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates his touchdown reception with full back George Aston #35 in the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on October 3, 2015 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

4. J.P. Holtz catches two passes

Much has been made of Holtz’s blocking ability over the course of the past couple weeks. We have yet to see him catch passes, but if he sees an expanded role in the preseason finale, there’s a good chance that he could solidify a roster spot.

The Redskins need a blocking tight end after losing Niles Paul in free agency, and Holtz seems to be a good fit. However, he has only been targeted once during the preseason and has no catches. He’ll need to show that he can catch a pass if he wants a stronger case for the roster.

I’ve been a believer in Holtz because of his excellent blocking ability. He has the potential to open things up a lot in the run game and be a strong special teams player. That said, proving that he can at least catch the ball on occasion will be critical to him earning a bigger role with the squad.

If Holtz only is able to serve as a blocker, the offense won’t be able to use him as much as they’d like. Him being on the field would too often signal an obvious running situation, so that would take some of the mystery away from what some perceive to be already predictable playcalling by the Redskins. So, Holtz being able to catch the ball will come into focus as he battles for a spot on the roster.

At the end of the day, I expect the Redskins to try and feed Holtz the ball a bit to see what he can do. If he can catch two passes, that will be enough, in my eyes, for him to be kept as a quality depth player on the roster.

Home/Commanders News