Realizing that this was only the first of four preseason games, there’s a lot that should and shouldn’t be taken from the Redskins vs. Ravens exhibition game that resulted in a Redskins loss of 23 to 3. Well, what can we take away on both the positive and negative side of things? I’ll start with the play on the field. When the Redskins first team defense was on the field, they controlled and on some plays even dominated the Ravens. Jonathan Allen is as advertised. Quick, strong and has a very high football IQ. Allen got a sack, two solo tackles for a loss, and four hurries. He created pressure causing the Ravens QB to make mistakes. This young man totally handled his own. Ryan Anderson brought a defensive press that has not been seen from the linebacker position for some time now. Zach Brown displayed sideline-to-sideline speed and finished on several run and pass plays. DJ Swearinger made his presence felt as the last line of defense for this Redskins team. While I’d like to see more runs stopped in the backfield, overall I’ll give this starting defense a C+ for last week’s early performance.

The offense left a lot to be desired and a whole lot of questions to be answered. The O-line didn’t look in sync at all. Cousins didn’t have time, the running backs didn’t have time and the blocking was terrible. The Ravens made up early in their minds to bring seven rushers every play, and that’s exactly what they did with little to no resistance from the Redskins offensive line. I don’t want to single out anyone because as a unit they didn’t look good. I will make an exception concerning the center position with Spencer Long. It almost seemed as if all the pressure up the middle was too much for Long, as if he just could not match the intensity in which the defense of the Ravens brought play after play. I love what Chris Thompson brings as a running back, but as a 3rd down blocker, he’s just too small. It’s simple physics: 192 lbs. vs. 250+ lbs. The sheer momentum of the bigger player puts him at an advantage. It’s not Thompson’s fault at all. The coaching staff needs to put him in more match-ups that favor him and his skill set. To give a grade for this offense in the Ravens game was tough. I just didn’t see enough. So I’m going to have to grade the offense as “Incomplete.” Again, this was only the first of four preseason games. They’ll have three more attempts at a better grade before the rubber actually meets the road.

Opportunity one is this Saturday vs. the Green Bay Packers. Jay Gruden addressed the fact that the Redskins didn’t come out on offense with any life or they just looked unprepared. To this writer, the Redskins looked unmotivated last Thursday night against the Ravens. That can’t happen with the Packers. Green Bay forced four turnovers against the Eagles in their preseason opener last Thursday night, along with an offense that found the end zone at will. The Packers beat the Eagles 24 to 9. Gruden did show more of a dedication to running the ball no matter the outcome, but will this translate into the regular season? This Redskins offense needs to find it’s rhythm as a unit on the field. There’s no better test than against a stingy defense. This Green Bay game will also let us know if this first team defense is steak or bologna. I also would like to see the Redskins having fun out there, playing with a zeal and tenacity that’s contagious throughout the field, sidelines and up in the stands. One player who has opened some eyes and maybe even has played himself into a roster spot is middle linebacker Nico Marley. This young man recorded a sack, three solo tackles and didn’t mind sticking his nose in to make the play, run pass or whatever. I believe Special Teams is where he’ll land, but so did Hall of Famer Terrell Davis. Marley plays with the motivation necessary to be successful on the field. I can’t remember too many plays that he wasn’t part of out there. Great showing Mr. Marley!

We all have to remember that this is only the preseason and what it’s used for. Not just to get our players in shape or building confidence in our players, but it’s also to record film to teach and study by. This Green Bay game shouldn’t appear as sloppy or out of sync as the Ravens game, because good coaches study the film and put their players in the best position to win. That brings us to another aspect of this year’s Washington Redskins team that we need to see. Head Coach Gruden said in an interview that he wanted to bring more energy to the sidelines this season. Hopefully the Ravens game isn’t an example of what he’s planning to do. As the cameras panned up and down the Redskins sidelines, Gruden either had his hands in the air in disgust or covering his mouth in disbelief. As the coach, Gruden needs to realize the impact his body language has on the level of confidence of the players. Motivation starts from the top, then trickles down to the assistant coaches and on to the players. We will see Saturday night what type of team we have – can or can’t doers. Enjoy the game and as always, HTTR4LIFE!