Take a minute to joke with co-workers over the Washington Redskins winning a preseason game. Pretend things will be different this season. And then, let’s admit the 14-3 victory over Tennessee on Saturday was a big disappointment.
The real score was Titans 3-0 at halftime when starters departed. Coach Joe Gibbs made a real effort by playing first-teamers past the opening quarter and the offense still didn’t score. Aside three pretty downfield completions, it looked like last year’s early-season slump.
Special teams were sloppy and there were a couple dumb penalties. At least the defense looked strong like years past, though Tennessee suspending quarterback Vince Young taints that effort somewhat.
First impression — it’s going to be a .500 season or so.
The offense had a couple excuses in missing injured running back Clinton Portis and left tackle Chris Samuels. However, Ladell Betts effectively replaced Portis last season and still the running game only managed 34 yards on 15 carries by halftime.
The offensive line was awful. Left tackle Stephon Heyer was beaten by blitzes and stunts until the Redskins put a tight end aside the rookie to help. The Titans then poured over the right border with tackle Jon Jansen struggling. Todd Wade in his first game at left guard was pretty sketchy. Samuels’ return by preseason’s end should help, but it was a troubling effort.
“It’s a process,” Gibbs said.
That’s what people say when there’s no quick fix.
What is going on with offensive guru Al Saunders? The mad genius was supposed to retool after his first year with the roster, but it was another bust. Granted, Saunders wasn’t expecting more Titans than Redskins in his backfield, but that’s how some games go. How you counterpunch is the key. The Redskins never outplayed the Titans defense until third-string quarterback Todd Collins completed all five passes against players who will be soon cut for the only offensive touchdown.
The upside is it was only the preseason opener. Samuels and Portis will greatly upgrade the team. Campbell is finding more downfield options. Wait until the entire preseason has finished before truly judging the team’s prospects because it will probably take that long to jell.
If the offense struggles, the defense looks like the top 10 crew of years past that will keep the Redskins in most games. The linebackers were fabulous. Newcomer London Fletcher looked like Wilbur Marshall — he was everywhere. Linebacker Rocky McIntosh is making a big jump in his second year. Rookie safety LaRon Landry is a banger. Nothing like an infusion of playmakers to revitalize a unit.
At least the victory kept Gibbs from rattling on over how badly he felt for owner Dan Snyder and fans. For that we should be grateful.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
