Redskins Halftime Takeaways: Young players make final cases for spots

The fourth preseason game is where players play their hardest, in order to make the 53-man roster. The Redskins, so far, have had several high performers based on effort alone.

No preseason game is worth following for the score alone; the games are meaningless, from a wins and losses standpoint. But there’s a reason preseason still exists, and a reason it will stick around: Roster hopefuls need an opportunity to prove themselves. In-game action is the only way to conduct a meaningful evaluation. The Washington Redskins roster hopefuls came to play tonight.

Midway through the contest, the Redskins trail the Ravens by a score of 13-7. There have been some highs and some lows, but overall, there’s a lot to like about the team’s performance so far, and on both sides of the ball, players are standing out. On offense, Kevin Hogan has been fairly efficient. He made a great play in the red zone early in the second quarter, faking a handoff and delivering a touchdown throw to Brian Quick as he rolled to his left. Every play counts for Hogan, and while he likely won’t make the team, he is playing for a possible practice squad spot.

The Redskins running game looked good for the most part in the first half as well. Robert Kelley ran with a particular urgency, and Samaje Perine did the same, although he did fumble the ball on one instance. The team’s rushing attack totaled 69 yards on 14 carries in the first half, a figure that is promising, considering the team’s shaky situation at the position. In addition to the running backs, the receivers were solid as well; Trey Quinn had a very impressive first half, hauling in a long gain in the second quarter.

On defense, many young players flashed. Troy Apke’s speed is an undeniable strength. Shaun Dion Hamilton has the same thing going for him. Pete Robertson and Ryan Anderson generated good pressure. Tim Settle had a nice pass deflection at the line of scrimmage, and Danny Johnson, in particular, looked very good, providing solid, consistent coverage on the outside. Adonis Alexander shined as well, notching an interception on first-round quarterback Lamar Jackson.

In addition to offense and defense, special teams contributors are notable as well, as that aspect of the game alone could earn a player a spot. Players such as Kenny Ladler, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Cam Sims, Brian Quick, Robert Kelley, and others all logged time in that role. Kelley was also good protecting the quarterback in the backfield; everything matters in the roster evaluation, and Kelley might just make the cut because of that.

Who else will shine tonight, in their last chance to do so? Stay tuned to the game as the second half kicks off, and be on the lookout for our takeaways tonight and tomorrow!