REDSKINS 101

The Redskins finished their preseason 3-1, after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-3 on Wednesday night. Preseason wins normally hold little value–take the Lions' 4-0 to 0-16 debacle as an example–and starters don't even play in the fourth game usually. But this was an impressive win? Yes. For the first time since Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen took over, we can finally say the Redskins are a deep team, across the board.

There were several third stringers starting for the Skins, including Kirk Cousins and three offensive linemen, and they all contributed to the blowout. Cousins, with help from the two sophomore running backs (Evan Royster and Roy Helu), continued to get the Redskins in scoring position throughout the game. He ended with 15 completions for 222 yards and an interception.

Not scoring touchdowns every time they crossed the 50 turned out to good for the Skins. It allowed them to get their first look at recently acquired kicker, Billy Cundiff. On the night, Cundiff made three of four attempts, with his lone miss coming from 46 yards out. It was obvious from last season that he struggled with deep field goals, but it's not because he doesn't have a strong enough leg. One of the main reasons the coaches chose to take him over Gano and Rackers was his ability to drill kick-offs through the back of the endzone for touchbacks (a major commodity after the kick-offs were up moved last year).

Kick returner, Brandon Banks, had himself and up-and-down night. In all, more up than down. It's going to be very hard to cut Brandon Banks after he showed game-breaking promise in more than one way last night. He already has one punt returned for a touchdown this pre-season, and he almost added another last night. Banks also caught a 47 yard bomb from Cousins and took an end-around 43 yards; both plays set up a Redskins score.

Field position also remained with the Redskins for most of the game as the defense dominated too. They finished with five sacks, including one from each starting linemen, and a trio of interceptions. For a good part of the game it looked like the Bucs would fail to cross the 50 yard line. Eventually they did, and kicked a 43 yard field goal with under seven minutes remaining.

The pressure was on. The backs were in position. If we could play back-ups against back-ups every week, fans would have a greater appreciation of the depth Shanahan and company have built. And as we saw last year, the Redskins are going to have to rely on a few of these guys throughout the season–nobody makes it through unscathed.

Here's a few players who helped their roster chances:

Brandon Banks, Bryan Kehl (INT, sack, and three quarterback hits), Tom Compton, Keenan Robinson, Darrion Scott and Chris Wilson.

A few who hurt their chances:

Adam Gettis, Josh LiRibeus, Aldrick Robinson and Terrance Austin.

The Redskins are going to have to cut some players they like–players who will likely make it on another team. It's the first time Washington has has this wonderful problem in years.

Let us know what you think…

---

Were on Twitter @Redskins_101 and on Facebook as Redskins101. You can also leave your comments below.

Tags: Billy Cundiff, Brandon Banks, Football, Kirk Cousins, Mike Shanahan, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington, Washington Redskins

Related Videos

Returning Soon!!!!

No related posts.