The Redskins are officially done with their preseason. They finished 1-3 after a 24-17 loss to Jacksonville tonight here in north Florida.
Some observations …
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*Tough to take too much from the starter’s performance — it was that brief and at least seven starters sat out becuase of rest and/or minor injuries. CB Carlos Rogers (calf) intends to practice Monday and play Sept. 13 at the NY Giants.
The first-team defense, minus Rogers, LB London Fletcher, DE Phillip Daniels and DT Albert Haynesworth allowed a 12-play, 70-yard drive to open the game. LB Brian Orakpo showed he’s a work in progress in coverage on the opening play when TE Marcedes Lewis broke free for a 24-yard gain.
The only positive for the defense is that they stopped the Jags on third-and-5 from the 8 when Fred Smoot tackled Maurice Jones-Drew. The Jags had converted two earlier third-downs.
The Redskins offense looked sharp in its nine-play, 40-yard drive that was halted by 15 yards in penalties and an Antwaan Randle El drop that would have been a 39-yard touchdown.
*I’ll guess that Malcolm Kelly is the new No. 2 receiver. He started for the second time in three weeks and Campbell went right to him for an 11-yard gain.
“No question he is going to be totally involved,” Jim Zorn said.
Devin Thomas caught two passes for 12 yards.
“I was impressed with what Devin did as well,” Zorn said. “I thought Devin ran hard when he got the ball.”
*Marko Mitchell, as if there was any doubt, clinched a roster spot with six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown, his third of the preseason.
*Marcus Mason, this year’s Cult Hero, didn’t enhance his chances by rushing 3 times for 1 yard. He was limited because of a rib injury.
*I’ll take Colt Brennan over Chase Daniel for the No. 3 quarterback job.
*It will be interesting to see how RT Mike Williams grades out on tape. He didn’t look great in person against the Jags first defense.
*The Redskins were 2 for 10 on third down and the Jags were 10 for 16. Yikes.
*The Redskins dropped their penalty total from 15 last week to six.
*Really liked how S Reed Doughty was used as a blitzer. He got two hits on David Garrard and finished with six tackles.
— Ryan O’Halloran
