The Washington Redskins trailed the Atlanta Falcons 7-6 at halftime of their third preseason game, the proverbial dress rehearsal for the regular season.
Since the starters only played the first half, here are our key takeaways after the midway point of the game:
Jordan Reed in concussion protocol
Jordan Reed has been the talk of the preseason, and was able to haul in one pass on two targets for 10 yards. He got clipped pretty good on the helmet after the catch, and is being evaluated for a concussion, the Redskins say. Clearly concerning given Reed's concussion history.
More on Reed's injury here.
Injury Update: Jordan Reed is being evaluated for a concussion he is out for the game.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 23, 2019Like seeing Jordan Reed align outside of a trips side, pretty new look for the #Redskins. Wins with a quick slant, makes up for the earlier drop, making a tough catch through contact which draws a flag. pic.twitter.com/dYATjsZLPW
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 23, 2019Derrius Guice looks good, really good.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he wanted his second-year back to get some carries, and feel what it was like to get tackled again. Guice impressed in his first game action since tearing his ACL a year ago, ripping off 44 yards on 11 carries, with his longest run going for 12 yards. He also scored a touchdown, a one-yard score that was called back on a holding call against guard Ereck Flowers.
Guice also demonstrated his pass-catching ability, hauling in a four-yard throw from starter Case Keenum. The important takeaway is Guice can now gain confidence in his recovery after testing out his leg against NFL starters, and he flashed the speed and quick-cutting ability that made him the 59th overall pick in 2018.
Derrius Guice is back and he brought his stiff arm with him --(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/TwRk2E7qcU
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 23, 2019.@DhaSickest is good at football pic.twitter.com/Rjjb7pzwRw
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 23, 2019Another nice run by Derrius Guice...He looks to be 100% Healthy.pic.twitter.com/OlbAftBAg7
— Josh Lemoine (@LsuFBallTruth) August 23, 2019The offense moved the ball but needs to finish
Case Keenum was able to move the Redskins offense up the field, completing nine of 14 passes (64.3 percent) for 101 yards, but was unable to get the ball in the end zone. The running game was evident, with Chris Thompson and Guice combining for 64 yards, a solid output for one half of football.
Cam Sims had a nice 28-yard catch, as did tight end Jeremy Sprinkle. Darvin Kidsy added another two catches and 11 yards to an already impressive showing this preseason.
The defense looked sharp
Redskins fans saw what they needed to see out of the defense. Jon Bostic was all over the field with four tackles (five combined). With three tackles (four combined) and a tackle for loss, Landon Collins proved why he's gained a reputation for being stout against the run. He also deflected a pass.
Nice job by Landon Collins with his run fit, makes a solid tackle that some guys in D.C. have missed in recent years #Redskins pic.twitter.com/btB7fbCFgx
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 22, 2019Wanted to highlight this play by Landon Collins in coverage. Skins showed 2-deep pre-snap before rotating to SHS post-snap. Collins stepped up and took on the over route, undercut it and broke it up. Very nearly an INT #Redskins pic.twitter.com/JIGbqHPyzr
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 23, 2019Landon Collins. Game ball.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 23, 2019Shaun Dion Hamilton made a solid pass-rush contribution, nearly sacking Matt Ryan in the first quarter.
There's a lot to like about this defense, and it was good to see them back up the hype they've garnered throughout training camp.
Odds & Ends
Ereck Flowers did not do himself any favors. Along with the holding penalty, he got blown up in pass protection and nearly got Keenum's head taken off. Rookie Wes Martin is looking more and more appealing at left guard.
OMG Ereck Flowers... pic.twitter.com/xpTqPGxksk
— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) August 23, 2019Halftime: #Falcons 7 #Redskins 6Offense looked okay in spots. Gotta finish. Left guard is clearly up for grabs. Flowers with not a very good case to stay ahead of Martin.Reed looks good. Guice reminded us why we were all excited.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) August 23, 2019Follow @CraigHoffman for the latest Redskins insights
