The Redskins performance against Bengals defense will tell a lot for 2017
The overused and often taken out of context phrase “it’s just preseason” has made its rounds through the Redskins fans to this point so far this preseason. I have an issue with saying that though; it’s “just pre-season” in terms of your team’s record, but there is no excuse for poor play. The Kirk Cousins-led starting offense has been very underwhelming the first two weeks of the pre-season.
The offensive line has struggled mightily in the ground game. From missing blocks, whether it be communication or whiffing on a defender, to literally falling on pulls or getting pushed into the backfield. It’s not fair to call out just one person when speaking on the offensive line. All 5 members of the line have failed to effective get a push off the ball. With the offensive line appearing to be so unenthused in the run game, it’s been so hard to evaluate the running backs. Robert Kelley is not a 1 yard per carry running back, and even though I can guarantee a back’s mentality is to be a playmaker, it’s hard to say why he or Chris Thompson is playing poorly.
For the starters, pass-protection has been fine for the most part, as it’s the identity of that group. However, Cousins “antsy” play, as Jay Gruden would describe it, has created early tremors leading me to believe he’s lacking trust in his newer receivers. As of right now, Jordan Reed is expected to play this Sunday against the Bengals. How Cousins performs with Reed on the field will tell a lot about the 2017 Kirk Cousins – his best performances come when Jordan Reed is on the field. One of the steps in Cousins’ maturation as a quarterback, however, is having an offense run through you. Not a tight end. Although Reed is an elite talent, Cousins’ ability to lead an offense should be displayed in confident decision making, and lack of hesitation in said decisions. Against the Packers, Cousins had a look at the goal-line where Josh Doctson was freed up on a clear out. He had the look, hesitated, and checked it down on the opposite side to Chris Thompson. There were instances where he threw inexcusably inaccurate passes that made viewers question how they were even possible.
It’s vital for Josh Doctson to get more time with the starters this week, to see looks on the field with Pryor and Crowder. Those are the Redskins 3 best receivers, and they along with Cousins must gain live game chemistry, at least as much as they can before the regular season starts.
When the Redskins step on the field against the Bengals, and the starters take the field, there must be a significant improvement from what we’ve seen in weeks 1 and 2. Yes, Chase Roullier is in place of Spencer Long this week, but that’s not a good enough excuse for poor play. There are plenty of veterans surrounding him to keep his head on straight. A confident showing from Cousins, and an offensive line that can create a respectable ground game, is something to look forward too. However, poor play, following 2 weeks of the same effort, might be indicative of what’s to come in the regular season.