Is anybody else seeing a different Washington Redskins football team this season?
Is anyone else amazed that the team scored more than 20 points, when just last year the team struggled to score points at all?
Ma'ake Kemoeatu reacts after experiencing the sweet success of a Redskin 42-17 win over the Buffalo Bills. Photos/CD Brown.
Amazement. Bewildered. "Happy", as the team's quarterback Donovan McNabb (5-of-8 passing for 58 yards, 1 TD) put it after the team's 42-17 broil of the Buffalo Bills. (The team hadn't scored that many points in a preseason game since playing the Raiders on Aug. 20, 1988).
First game of the preseason aside, this team actually looked like an NFL football team. A good football team. A team worthy of watching. A team that had fans out on a perfectly mild summer's night - to witness the future of the Washington Redskins franchise.
Starting with the ousting of Jim Zorn, Vinny Cerrato, and former quarterback Jason Campbell (quite a few #17 fan jerseys noticeable in the stadium), Washington has meticulously, and strategically put together the pieces of what could be a winning team.
From bringing on Bruce Allen as General Manager, to hiring Mike Shanahan as head coach, by all accounts, the Redskins have what it takes, as was evident during last night's showing.
Loads of Technique
Last night's game boasted, and was brimming over with talent and technique. From Anthony Armstrong’s first quarter touchdown reception, to the TD pass from McNabb to Chris Cooley; to Keiland Williams’ two-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, to, well, you get the picture.
"We thought it was a pretty good job for our first time together", said wide receiver Devin Thomas.
The team, fresh off of training camp before last night's preseason exhibition, seemed to put what they learned to good use.
"We've been working hard in camp" continued Thomas, "and to come out here and play some different competition felt real good."
The play of the game came when Brandon Banks (Out of Kansas State who we eyed during training camp splitting roughly six defenders. From then on, we knew he was one to watch) scored a 77 yard punt return then celebrated by doing the J-Wall dance, paying tribute to his long-time friend, Wizards' first-round draft pick, John Wall.
Banks, showing promise at this year's training camp.
"It's a dream come true", Banks told us after the game. "My first NFL game, first time being on an NFL team, I mean it's just a dream come true. I'm just excited as everybody else."
Banks credits coach Danny Smith for drawing up a scheme that set the play in motion for the young wide receiver to score his first NFL touchdown.
"I just executed it and made him proud, and hopefully I can continue to make him proud", said Banks.
The play put the Redskins up 28-3 with 13:10 minutes in the third quarter and came as a surprise, even to Banks. "I'm still shocked that I even scored an NFL touchdown. Hopefully, it will get better from now."
With his talent and willingness to learn, the future looks bright for Brandon Banks.
"It's Just The PreSeason"
Words we heard before after the dismal start of the last season. It's just preseason. Give it time. (We all know where that got us).
Yes, preseason matters. It's a precursor, a glimpse into the future (if you will) as to how the season might transpire.
Some who start out last, may finish first. Some who start off good, may not fare as well when its all said and one.
Redskins' defense ambushes Buffalo wide receiver Steve Johnson.
Said head coach Mike Shanahan, “We played with lots of effort today. I thought, overall, we got a chance to evaluate a lot of people: first, second, third and even fifth stringers. I thought we gave some good effort. I thought we played well and other times not so well, but it was a good first game and hopefully we can build from here.”
Backup quarterback, Rex Grossman threw for 11 of 18, for 140 yards.
One can only hope that if last night was any indication of how the Redskins' regular season will fare, then honey, we're in good shape.
The Redskins face the Baltimore Ravens on August 21st.
Related
Ravens 17, Panthers 12.
Dallas 9, Oakland 17. Rivals defeated, but (how'd Campbell fare?)
Phila 28, Jacksonville 27
Is anyone else amazed that the team scored more than 20 points, when just last year the team struggled to score points at all?
Amazement. Bewildered. "Happy", as the team's quarterback Donovan McNabb (5-of-8 passing for 58 yards, 1 TD) put it after the team's 42-17 broil of the Buffalo Bills. (The team hadn't scored that many points in a preseason game since playing the Raiders on Aug. 20, 1988).
First game of the preseason aside, this team actually looked like an NFL football team. A good football team. A team worthy of watching. A team that had fans out on a perfectly mild summer's night - to witness the future of the Washington Redskins franchise.
Starting with the ousting of Jim Zorn, Vinny Cerrato, and former quarterback Jason Campbell (quite a few #17 fan jerseys noticeable in the stadium), Washington has meticulously, and strategically put together the pieces of what could be a winning team.
From bringing on Bruce Allen as General Manager, to hiring Mike Shanahan as head coach, by all accounts, the Redskins have what it takes, as was evident during last night's showing.
Loads of Technique
Last night's game boasted, and was brimming over with talent and technique. From Anthony Armstrong’s first quarter touchdown reception, to the TD pass from McNabb to Chris Cooley; to Keiland Williams’ two-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, to, well, you get the picture.
"We thought it was a pretty good job for our first time together", said wide receiver Devin Thomas.
The team, fresh off of training camp before last night's preseason exhibition, seemed to put what they learned to good use.
"We've been working hard in camp" continued Thomas, "and to come out here and play some different competition felt real good."
The play of the game came when Brandon Banks (Out of Kansas State who we eyed during training camp splitting roughly six defenders. From then on, we knew he was one to watch) scored a 77 yard punt return then celebrated by doing the J-Wall dance, paying tribute to his long-time friend, Wizards' first-round draft pick, John Wall.
"It's a dream come true", Banks told us after the game. "My first NFL game, first time being on an NFL team, I mean it's just a dream come true. I'm just excited as everybody else."
Banks credits coach Danny Smith for drawing up a scheme that set the play in motion for the young wide receiver to score his first NFL touchdown.
"I just executed it and made him proud, and hopefully I can continue to make him proud", said Banks.
The play put the Redskins up 28-3 with 13:10 minutes in the third quarter and came as a surprise, even to Banks. "I'm still shocked that I even scored an NFL touchdown. Hopefully, it will get better from now."
With his talent and willingness to learn, the future looks bright for Brandon Banks.
"It's Just The PreSeason"
Words we heard before after the dismal start of the last season. It's just preseason. Give it time. (We all know where that got us).
Yes, preseason matters. It's a precursor, a glimpse into the future (if you will) as to how the season might transpire.
Some who start out last, may finish first. Some who start off good, may not fare as well when its all said and one.
Said head coach Mike Shanahan, “We played with lots of effort today. I thought, overall, we got a chance to evaluate a lot of people: first, second, third and even fifth stringers. I thought we gave some good effort. I thought we played well and other times not so well, but it was a good first game and hopefully we can build from here.”
Backup quarterback, Rex Grossman threw for 11 of 18, for 140 yards.
One can only hope that if last night was any indication of how the Redskins' regular season will fare, then honey, we're in good shape.
The Redskins face the Baltimore Ravens on August 21st.
Related
Ravens 17, Panthers 12.
Dallas 9, Oakland 17. Rivals defeated, but (how'd Campbell fare?)
Phila 28, Jacksonville 27
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