Jim Zorn roamed the sidelines, looking cool and collected. On the field, his team reflected that look.
The Redskins won their preseason opener last night, 30-16 over the Indianapolis Colts, and Zorn proved he is capable of running an NFL club.
The team never appeared confused, and they avoided many careless penalties and the offense put together quite a few scoring drives.
Jason Campbell was a perfect 5-5 for 61 yards and a touchdown pass to Antwaan Randle El on the opening drive. He also hooked up with Chris Cooley and Santana Moss and appeared to be comfortable and calm in Zorn's offense.
The offensive line, however, needs to improve in pass protection, as they gave up four sacks. The line is usually up to speed come regular season, so it shouldn't be much of a concern, but Campbell was sacked once in two drives.
Todd Collins had an uneventful game, going 5-6 for 32 yards. He failed to lead a scoring drive and the 'Skins fell behind 16-9 at the half.
The final two minutes of the first half was the only time when Zorn made a serious mistake. Collins was leading a drive into Colts' territory, but the 'Skins let too much time elapse in between plays at one point, only to see Zorn call time out. Had he called it earlier it would saved 10-15 seconds.
Yet Zorn will have four more preseason games to familiarize himself with clock management, and he should improve with practice.
In the second half, Colt Brennan came in and went 9-10 for 123 yards and two scores. His second TD pass to Marcus Mason gave the 'Skins the lead, which they never relinquished.
Brennan had been unimpressive in training camp, but he showed he can play in game action. He appeared to be comfortable moving around in the pocket and avoided any big mistakes.
Brennan and the other QBs were aided by strong performances by Mason and Rock Cartwright. Mason rushed for 98 yards on 18 carries, while Cartwright rumbled for 58 yards, carrying the ball 13 times.
The Redskin defense was, of course, missing several starters, but still played well, giving up only one touchdown late in the first half. DE Rob Jackson, a seventh-round draft choice, recorded a sack and had another one taken back on a penalty.
Fellow draft pick Chris Horton picked up two sacks from his safety position and recovered an onside kick.
The Colts were putting together a last-second drive in order to tie the score, but Matterral Richardson intercepted a fourth-down pass from Jared Lorenzen and took it all the way back for the score.
It was a great weekend for 'Skins fans everywhere, seeing Art Monk and Darrell Green enter the Hall of Fame and then enjoying a victory, albeit a preseason one. Maybe we'll see the success translate into the regular season.
Now for some quick observations.
Marcus Mason is very talented, but it will be hard for him to make the final roster. Rock is the kick returner, while Betts and Portis have their spots locked up. Look for Mason to be on the practice squad again. We have to remember that he's never ran against a first-string defense.
Justin Tryon played poorly. He was beaten badly on an underthrown ball and also committed pass interference on the play. I can see he has talent, but he is very raw. It will take time.
10 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jack Anderson 11 months ago
Btw Rock Cartwright might be seeing some carries this season. He's always been good with the ball. Last game he saw significant action was in 2005 when went up against the Rams for 100 yards on 13 carries. He's fast, can move well, and has a lot of power.
I really wonder whether it was necessary to pay Betts so much.
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Tanner Kluth 11 months ago
Betts is a fine running back.
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Rohit Banerjee 11 months ago
i have to disagree on the play of the defense..at all tiers, the colts were able to walk up and down the field and Mike Hart did as he pleased against the third string defense. They only shored up in the red zone which explains the fact that only one touchdown was given up. More evidence: the colts only punted twice last night.
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Tanner Kluth 11 months ago
The defense isn't a problem. Taylor, Carter, Fletcher, Blades, Landry, and McIntosh didn't even play.
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Jack Anderson 11 months ago
They only gave up one TD though, Rohit. Bend but don't break. Most of the players late in the game won't be on the team. The coaches are looking for the standout performers like Jackson and Horton. The other bums won't be on the team so it really doesn't matter how they look against Mike Hart.
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Tanner Kluth 11 months ago
I don't recall Jason Campbell ever liking to throw to Todd Yoder. In fact, I can't even remember a time when he threw to Yoder.
Todd Collins threw to him several times at the end of the 2007 season.
Shaun Suisham was 29 for 35 last year. That is good. You have acknowledged that Brooks had a poor hold on the field goal, so you can't blame Suisham for missing it.
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Jennifer Johnson 11 months ago
I agree Tanner that Campbell isn't favoring Yoder over any other receiver. He threw to Randle El cuz the guy was wide open. He wasn't enamored of any one side. Very precise, clean play calling helped Colt Brennan as well, but for some reason Collins couldn't get the offense going. He held onto the ball too long. Collins appeared to be stuck in one place. Last time I checked football is a mobile sport Todd. Its strange to see the twist in play from our #1 and #2 QBs. Campbell was completely in control and I didn't see the hesitation he displayed in Gibb's offensive system.
Thank goodness the guys know who to listen to this year. No more assistant head coaches and 700 page playbooks. Keep it simple stupid. I'll keep blogging this phrase until we get back to hoisting the big prize.
"40 men together can't lose." George Allen
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Jack Anderson 11 months ago
Excellent point, Jennifer. Collins did not look comfortable at all last night. This offense favors Brennan more and he might gradually rise up to second string on the charts.
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Jack Anderson 11 months ago
Shaun Suisham doesn't have the confidence to make big field goals...He is a decent kicker, but we could do better. I know he hit winners against the Jets and Dolphins, but I still think he's lacking in consistency. Numbers don't tell the whole story.
As for the defense the front seven doesn't worry me. The secondary is a little shaky though. Reed Doughty is a liability in coverage while I still can't get excited about Fred Smoot. Overall though the defense should definitely hold it's own.
We were 20th against the pass last year so we have room for improvement.
My overall point abut Yoder is that he gets open and doesn't drop passes and I don't see him getting cut.
Betts gets hurt a lot and is a five million dollar a year backup. I think he plays well, but is he worth the money?
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Jack Anderson 11 months ago
Thanks for the feedback keep it coming.
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