It’s preseason, but Jay Gruden is sure not to like the start his Washington Redskins had in their first defensive and offensive drives of Thursday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.
First, the Browns offense marched 89 yards on seven plays for an opening drive-touchdown. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 5-of-6 passes for 77 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rashard Higgins.
Keep in mind, the only projected regular starters for the Redskins defense was inside linebackers Jon Bostic and Shaun Dion Hamilton. Mayfield picked on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for three of his passes and opened spacing across the middle against the Redskins zone defense.
Cleveland ran a no-huddle offense throughout the drive, and it appeared the Redskins were simply not ready for the change up.
On offense, the Redskins’ bad start was highlighted by three consecutive holding penalties. The first by the embattled left guard Ereck Flowers, negated a 14-yard run by running back Samaje Perine. The second was by left tackle Geron Christian, who got the start in Trent Williams’ absence, however his penalty was declined off an incomplete pass due to an incomplete pass by quarterback Case Keenum.
The third had double holding penalties on tight end Jeremy Sprinkle and wide receiver Robert Davis. Both were declined due to the play resulting in a fourth down. However, not a great showing by the starting unit that did not feature neither top running backs, Adrian Peterson, Chris Thompson, nor Derrius Guice.
Coaches don’t care who was or was not on the field, so understand Gruden won’t be pleased by the Redskins’ start.
