The Washington Redskins in their third preseason game against the Denver Broncos came out with a lackluster first half performance. They would go on and lose to the Broncos 29-17.
There were very few bright spots for the Burgundy and Gold despite in an overall poor showing.
Here are four things we learned about the Redskins after tonight’s contest:
1. Adrian Peterson still has something left in the tank
The former Oklahoma star and future Hall of Famer showed that he still can be an effective weapon.
Peterson started the contest as the Redskins featured back and didn’t disappoint. He ran hard and decisively moving the chains along the way. Just brought in this week after signing as a free agent, Peterson produced a strong showing of 11 carries for 56 yards and a long run of 15 yards.
He has instantly positioned himself to become the Redskins opening day starter against the Arizona Cardinals.
2. Outside of Peterson, the Redskins first-team offense looked sluggish
Washington’s offense in their initial drives of each of their preseason games has driven the ball down the field to only see their offense struggle for the rest of the games.
Tonight was no different as the Redskins offense with Alex Smith under center and Colt McCoy, struggled to get the offense in the end zone. Third-string quarterback Kevin Hogan led the Redskins offense with running back Rob Kelley on a 78-yard drive in the fourth quarter. Hogan hit wide receiver Simmie Cobbs on an 18-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Hogan then led the offense on another nine-play 75-yard scoring drive when he hit wideout Darvin Kidsy on a four-yard touchdown pass with 25 seconds left in the game.
3. Redzone ineffectiveness still haunts first-team offense
Outside of the touchdown drive led by Hogan, the Redskins offense has not been able to get the ball in the end zone. The drive in the fourth quarter with third stringers was the Redskins first touchdown since the second quarter of their first preseason game against the New England Patriots.
Washington has struggled in the red zone over the past two seasons and with the acquisition of Alex Smith, Paul Richardson and now Adrian Peterson, that has to be a point of emphasis. With the return of RB Chris Thompson and Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Reed for Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, the offense will need to put the ball in the end zone to build confidence.
4. The Defense gave up way too many big plays
Washington feels good about the mixture of veterans and youth on their revised defense, but, tonight that unit didn’t have its’ best performance.
Early in the contest, Denver starting quarterback Case Keenum picked apart the Redskins defense with precise passes. Cornerback Josh Norman was targeted and beat several times by Broncos rookie WR Courtland Sutherland. On the evening Keenum was efficient going 12 of 18 for 148 yards.
Denver’s running game gashed the Redskins starting defense early and often to the tune of a six yards per carry average and a 24-yard touchdown run by Royce Freeman.
Washington will have to address the broken coverages their defense endured before the regular season opener.