Thoughts from Redskins 3rd Preseason Game Barely Mentioning RG3

By DC Staff Writer John Manuel:

I was very excited to see Saturday’s game versus the Colts.  Andrew Luck is quickly proving his is the real deal for Indy.  If they can keep him upright this team went from another two win season to possibly winning 6-7 games.  But I do like that the Redskins were able to pressure Luck regularly without Brian Orakpo.  I really like what I saw with Chris Wilson in the game, he actually looked like Orakpo out there.

Good to see the Skins finally pressure a QB, unlike the past week versus the Bears.  The linebacker spot looks to have some solid depth especially now on the outside with Wilson, Markus White, and Rob Jackson.  With a shaky secondary these guys will need to pressure QB’s starting with Drew Brees.

It was impressive how Albert Morris was able to run all over the Colts defense.  Morris has been able to take advantage of the injuries at running back and gone from battling for a roster spot to possibly becoming the main back.  Then again, it’s Shanahan, so anyone within 75 miles of Ashburn could end up being the main back from week to week.  It was good to see Tim Hightower back in the mix also.  I think until the Skins pay big money or draft a back high, it’s anyone’s job week to week.  It’s bad for fantasy geeks but could keep multiple guys fresh throughout the long season.

The player who stood out to me was Tanard Jackson on Saturday.  He seemed involved and active on most plays.  I was all for letting LaRon Landry walk, so Jackson is very much needed if Brandon Meriweather can’t handle the strong safety spot once he comes back.  Raheem Morris knew Jackson well and would not have brought him in here if he couldn’t play.  It would be nice to catch a steal in Jackson.

Another former Tampa steal could be Dezmon Briscoe.  Briscoe once again played very well in the second half and is making a major say in making the roster.  Briscoe could end up being a major gift if Leonard Hankerson or Josh Morgan are inconsistent.  I have to think Briscoe is close to making this team.

As for the major battle in camp, it’s going to be tough decide on which receivers stay and which go.  Garcon, Hankerson, and Morgan should be locks.  I have been saying it all off season that Santana Moss should be in the punt return battle and he was.  I love Moss on punt returns and if this happens would not be sad if Brandon Banks is let go.  Moss looks to be solid for a roster spot.

As I said before I think Briscoe makes it since he most likely would get grabbed up.  Unfortunately, I think Terrance Austin is in trouble even though he continues to play well when given the chance.  Someone else will probably give him an opportunity.  AAA and Aldrick Robinson are the ones who I think are question marks.  I would think they want to keep Robinson around in only his second season and not risk exposing him on the practice squad.  As for Armstrong, it’s been a crazy couple seasons which I think will now end up with him on the street.

With Gano beating out Rackers and Grossman’s play on Saturday, a lot of the suspense is gone from the final cuts.  I can’t see many surprises come Friday other than wide receiver, when everyone flips that Banks gets cut.  And finally, I did think Griffin looked good, but 17 attempts and only getting 70 or so yards feels like a Matt Leinart stat.