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7 Biggest Takeaways from Redskins vs Falcons

The dress rehearsal is halfway over, meaning the starters are going to begin getting pulled but the takeaways will leave lasting impressions.
KD Drummond|
7 Biggest Takeaways from Redskins vs Falcons
7 Biggest Takeaways from Redskins vs Falcons

The Washington Redskins entered their preseason dress rehearsal with several questions still unanswered, but many blanks were filled in the first half of the game. Washington trails 7-6 at the break, but here's what we think were the important developments.

Landon Collins gives the defense a new dimension.

The strong safety might be seen an average pass defender, but he is certainly as elite as advertised when it comes to run support. On the Falcons' opening drive, Collins checked in with two sound tackles, but it was his recognition and speed to the hit that really stood out. If the team can get plus coverage out of the rest of the secondary, this defense has a chance to be aggressive on early downs instead of reactionary. That could lead to defensive-led victories which has been a tease, but not reality in years past. Collins also almost came up with a huge interception late in the first half, breaking in front of Calvin Ridley, but he was unable to secure the ball despite getting both hands on it.

Derrius Guice sees his first action in over a year.

Guice was finally cleared for contact by the maligned Washington medical staff, and he was as impressive as the coaching staff could have hoped for. Fans have heard the repots from other players about how well he's performed in practice, but game scenarios are an entirely different thing, even if it's preseason. His opening carry had a great jump cut into space for a gain of seven yards. His second carry saw him bully through a tackle attempt to get extra yards before going out of bounds. He also caught a screen pass indicating he will be a part of the passing game on early downs and he also was able to fall forward for a couple yards when he was later met at the line of scrimmage on a run. He's going to be a workhorse, and he's going to be very good. That's imperative as the running game will have to be the centerpiece of the Washington attack in the early going, if not all season.

The plan at left tackle is now known.

As most expected when he was signed, but was a bit of a concern as he played his way into shape, Donald Penn appears to be the solution for a still-holding-out Trent Williams at left tackle. Ereck Flowers long eliminated himself, but second-year pro Geron Christian had a shot at the job, too. However when the opening bell sounded for the Washington offense, it was Penn out there protecting Case Keenum's blindside.

Montez Sweat.

Jordan Reed takes a big hit , once again.

The Washington tight end has suffered a myriad of injuries in his time in the league, but none more serious than his string of concussions. He's suffered at least five different ones dating back to his time at the University of Florida. There was obvious reason for concern when Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal came in with an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit that knocked Reed's off his head. The penalty was called and Reed initially seemed no worse for the hit, but ended up in the concussion protocol. A good thing is that Jeremy Sprinkle looked sharp, racing for a 28-yard gain in the first quarter and showing well in the offseason. Washington appears to have three quality tight ends to deploy this season, but there are once again concerns for Reed.

Jimmy Moreland is still making plays.

The seventh-round pick out of James Madison is just a damn good football player. He came up and made a beautiful open-field tackle to stack on top of the big plays he's made in the first two preseason games. Not only is he a lock to make the squad, but he's going to get snaps early in the season, even without an injury to someone else opening the door. Watch for this kid, he's the type of late-round draft pick teams need to field a deep roster. 

Ereck Flowers isn't good at guard, either.

Flowers' issues might not be as noticeable on the interior as they were when he'd find himself on an island at tackle, but that doesn't mean he can't make any negative impact. Late in the first half, Flowers was called for a hold on a goal-line play where the defender blew right by him to get into the backfield on third-down. The hold probably allowed Guice to score but it being called took Washington back 10 yards and eventually ended up in a field goal attempt, successful, by Dustin Hopkins.

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KD Drummond
KD DRUMMOND

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