Redskins 24 Buccaneers 10
The Washington Redskins wrapped up the preseason with a 24-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Redskins finished 3-1 in the preseason and now look forward to the regular season with a week 1 match up against the Houston Texans.
For many Redskins fans this last preseason game was the most exciting of the four played over the past month. The team excelled in almost every facet of the game. On offense the Redskins totaled 443 yards, with 316 yards coming through the air and 127 yards rushing. The defense held the Buccaneers in check allowing only 157 total yards. Unfortunately, the reality is that most of the players on the field last night will either be on the bench in Houston, at home on the practice squad, or no longer on the team come week one of the regular season.
Last night’s game served its purpose for Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden. It wasn’t about winning or losing but was about a final evaluation of those players on the cut line. That was evident from the start of the game as the starters and even some backups took a seat on the bench, while rookies, free agents, and low draft picks fought for their football lives.
The Redskins are faced, as are all NFL teams, with cutting their roster down to 53 players by Saturday afternoon. For the Redskins many of those questions of who will make the team and who will not were answered by last night’s performance.
On the special teams rookie Zach Hocker missed his only field goal attempt of the night, a 39 yarder that went wide right. Returning Kicker Kai Forbath made a 45 yarder by splitting the up rights. Gruden has made it clear throughout training camp that all player evaluations will be based on game and practice performances. Based on game performance solely Forbath has the upper hand.
In the punting game, newly acquired Tress Way had a booming 59 yard punt and an above average 44 yarder that overshadowed his competition Robert Malone. Malone did not help his cause with his only punt of the night, a 31 yarder.
The biggest competition of the night was with the running backs. It is clear that Alfred Morris and Roy Helu are locks to make the roster. Gruden must decide how many running backs will make the roster.
Evan Royster looks to be the third running back and based on his limited playing time last night he is probably safe. Of course probably doesn’t mean definitely, as Lache Seastrunk and Silas Redd both made a last ditch effort to join the squad. Seastrunk showed his versatility and speed on an 80 yard screen pass for a touchdown from Quarterback Colt McCoy. Redd stood out in the ground game by leading all rushers with 79 yards on 14 attempts that included a one yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. If Seastrunk and Redd end up being cut, the Redskins will attempt to keep both players on the practice squad.
On defense, Linebacker Will Compton, a second year player out of Nebraska, led the team with six solo tackles. Defensive Tackle Clifton Geathers stood out with two sacks and made several tackles for no gain. Geathers who played last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, looks to make the team as the final defensive tackle.
Gruden and his staff have some very difficult roster decisions ahead of them over the next 24 hours.
