In the typical third preseason game mode, we saw the majority of the starters play the first half of the game. It was a huge struggle for the Washington Redskins' first-team offense to get anything going even with good field position.
For the Ravens, they where able to move the ball effectively most of the night in the passing game, however the Redskins defense performed well against the run and especially in 3rd- and 4th-and-short situations.
Lets take a look at some noteworthy performances.
Washington Redskins — Performances of Note
Depth on the Defensive line, DL, +7.3 Combined Run Defense Grade
Breakdown: With the Redskins defense a major a weakness last season, it was good to see every defensive lineman grade positive in the run game. The top three performers were Chris Baker (+1.1), Jason Hatcher (+1.3), and Clifton Geathers (+1.8); Geathers had two run stops on six snaps
Signature Stat: Redskins defensive line had seven stops in the run game
Robert Griffin III, QB, -4.2
Breakdown: Griffin had a tough day against the Ravens defense, while the box score only shows one interception, there should have been a pick-six if it wasn’t for the drop by Dominique Franks and an defensive offside penalty. The pass was late on a quick hitch route that was never there to be thrown. It is very clear that Griffin is not comfortable as a pocket passer at this point in his career, he does not seem to be willing to throw before a player makes his cut, rather waiting until he is already open.
Signature Play: While the interceptions will be ingrained in peoples' minds, if we look at the play where Griffin is sacked by Timmy Jernigan (2Q 8:44), Pierre Garcon is running a post route and starts to break as Griffin hits the top of the drop, if Griffin releases on time, the ball will be out before the pressure arrives to a wide open Garcon and Griffin is never forced to leave the pocket.
David Amerson, CB, -0.2
Breakdown: Amerson had an up-and-down game much like his rookie season. Amerson allowed two first downs in coverage and a third on a needless hands-to-the-face penalty. But one of the criticisms of Amerson in the past has been his tackling ability, against the Ravens, he only allowed 12 yards after the catch on five receptions, and produced a stop on a third down screen to Steve Smith.
Signature Play: The highlight of Amerson's night was in the first quarter (1:52). Marlon Brown runs a go route and Amerson times the ball perfectly to knock it away.
Baltimore Ravens — Performances of Note
Brandon Williams, NT, +4.2
Breakdown: After two previous strong performances in run defense, this sophomore was putting on a clinic against the Washington offense causing consistent problems in both the pass and run games. With two stops on the ground, Williams looks like he is starting to become the nose tackle they envisioned from their third round pick in 2013
Signature Play: At 11:14 in the first quarter Williams powers past Kory Lichtensteiger for a tackle for loss
Terrance Brooks, FS, -2.3
Breakdown: For the second game in a row Brooks has struggled in pass coverage. Brooks was partly responsible in coverage when Santana Moss scored in the third quarter. On something of a positive note, though, he did pick up an unblocked sack. Brooks has been experiencing an adjustment period in coverage since entering the league.
Signature Stat: Brooks was only targeted twice in 18 coverage snaps, however allowed two completions, touchdown and also had a defensive pass interference called against him.
Steve Smith, WR, +0.2
Breakdown: Smith might have only graded just above zero, but that's primarily down to a fumble near the end of the first half. On six targets, he dominated the Redskins' secondary, hauling all six in for 80 yards and a touchdown, with 42 yards after catch. This supposedly old man seems to have new legs and was winning against whoever the Redskins tried to cover him with.
Signature Plays: Smith had two very good plays; one was the sliding touchdown catch (2Q 0:33) and the other featured great determination on his part, breaking three tackles on a hitch route to gain a first down after he was seemingly bottled up (1Q 2:25)
PFF Game Ball
In a game where only a few players stood out, Brandon Williams was clearly head and shoulders above the rest, causing consistent disruption in both the running and passing game.
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