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Redskins vs. Bengals: Preview, matchups to watch, score prediction for NFL Preseason Week 2

By Jacob Camenker

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 8: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins looks up at the scoreboard while sitting on the bench during the third quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 8: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins looks up at the scoreboard while sitting on the bench during the third quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 8, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins passes during the second half of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Redskins 30-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins passes during the second half of a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Redskins 30-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Redskins offense vs. Bengals defense

There are two major things to watch on offense when the Redskins take on the Bengals in the second week of the preseason. But the biggest storyline will be about how Dwayne Haskins is able to improve in his second preseason action.

Against the Browns, Haskins flashed brilliance at times but made far too many mistakes, including throwing two interceptions. In short, he looked like the raw, one-year starter that many expected him to be. He’ll need time to develop and the reps he sees in the second preseason game will go a long way to helping him adjust to the NFL.

The Bengals possess some depth in the secondary and while their starters may not get a lot of action, NFL veterans Tony Lippett, KeiVarae Russell, and recent Day 3 picks like Darius Phillips, Davontae Harris, and Jordan Brown should provide enough of a test in coverage for Haskins. He will need to show an improved ability to read the field and if he can build more chemistry with Darvin Kidsy, that could go a long way to helping him find more success.

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In short, the big thing to watch with Haskins is growth. If he shows some, that will be good news. If he doesn’t, then it will do a lot to strengthen the argument that he really needs a redshirt season as he adjusts to the NFL.

Elsewhere, the Redskins’ offensive line will be tested. The unit could barely block against the Browns, and the duo of Geron Christian and Ereck Flowers was a borderline disaster on the left side. That duo will have to stave off competition from Donald Penn and Wes Martin, who looked good as the second unit, but in general, the entire line has to block better. If they don’t, it will become clearer that the lacking depth is a major issue.

The Bengals have a nice stable of pass rushers that should test Christian in particular at left tackle. If he can’t block the likes of Jordan Willis, Carl Lawson, and Sam Hubbard, then the team will need to think about trying to coax Trent Williams out of his holdout or signing more tackle competition to battle with Penn and Christian for roster spots.

In terms of the skill positions, it will be important to keep watching what WRs Robert Davis, Cam Sims, Kelvin Harmon, and Kidsy can do in the passing game. They are likely battling for two, or maybe three, spots on the receiver depth chart, but Davis and Kidsy showed well against Cleveland.

Meanwhile, Samaje Perine will likely get a chance to prove himself again in this contest. Perine didn’t quite live up to expectations against the Browns, but he wasn’t as bad as some have indicated. He needs to show better pass protection skills and burst, but it would’ve been hard for any back to succeed behind the offensive line Perine played with last Thursday night.

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