The Redskins starters got their first real snaps of the preseason on Thursday night. It wasn’t extended, but there was enough action to glean some information.



1) The defensive line could be a force. Rookie Daron Payne recorded a sack on the first third down rush of his career. Think about that. In the nickel package, Payne lined up next to Jonathan Allen with Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith positioned as the outside pass rushers. That’s a formidable group.



2) Kapri Bibbs has usually been the last running back mentioned among the Skins rushers. Might be time to adjust that. Bibbs had seven catches last night and arguably more importantly looked strong in blitz pickup on pass protection. Byron Marshall sustained a leg injury, albeit minor, and Samaje Perine sprained his ankle. Meanwhile, Bibbs got through healthy and looking good. With Derrius Guice done for the year, the competition at running back behind Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson is very much alive.



3) Speaking of competition at the skill positions, the receiver battle is heating up. Mo Harris and Jamison Crowder did not play Thursday, and while Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson looked good early, undrafted rookie Cam Sims made plays throughout the game. Could Sims make the 53 man roster? Certainly. He has a huge frame that coaches drool over. If he does, that likely means trouble for one of two players with last names that start with Q: Brian Quick or Trey Quinn. Offensively Quinn seems ahead of Quick, but on special teams Quick can do much more. Sims is still far from a lock, but this is a situation to keep an eye on.



4) Fans can be frustrated by the Redskins inability to score touchdowns against New York. Five short range field goals is not efficient offense. But withhold any anger until the actual first team unit gets on the field. On Alex Smith’s lone drive of the game, remember that the end zone pass to Quinn that fell to the ground likely would have gone to Crowder if he was playing. Or if Jordan Reed was playing, Smith might have thrown a different direction entirely. Or Chris Thompson. And oh yeah Trent Williams wasn’t playing either.

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