SB Nation DC - Colts Vs. Redskins: Washington Defeats Indianapolis 30-17

Redskins Vs. Colts: Four Takeaways From The Redskins' Preseason Dress Rehearsal Against Indy

2012-08-27T15:20:22Z

The matchup between the Washington Redskins and the Indianapolis Colts started and ended with plenty of hype and intrigue, as rookie quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck put their skills on display in the all-important third preseason game, most commonly referred to as the "dress rehearsal".

With the Redskins' regular season opener now less than two weeks away, here are some of the key takeaways from Saturday's game:

RGIII wasn't perfect, but he showed encouraging signs. The Redskins still ran a very vanilla offense Saturday, but you saw a few glimpses of why Robert Griffin III is considered a dual threat quarterback.

On his first third-down conversion, Griffin eluded a free blitzer who came up the middle. Griffin then broke the containment and ran down the right sideline and extended his arms for a first down. A few drives later, on another third down, he felt the pressure from his right, avoided the rush and rolled to his right to made a tight throw to Joshua Morgan for the first down. It was a prime example of why Griffin was so highly touted coming out of Baylor; he kept his eyes downfield while avoiding the rush, and looked to complete a pass rather than pick up the first down with his legs.

He wasn't perfect, however. Griffin missed on three deep throws; two to Pierre Garcon and another to Leonard Hankerson (who may have pulled up on the route). The deep passing game is something Griffin hasn't had the ability to showcase much this preseason, but it's something he says will develop with time.

"It will come," he said. "Those types of things and situations you have to get used to a guy's game speed. I talked to him while on the sideline and told him that those passes would come. Once we are in the season, and we get more reps at those deep routes, we will hit those like there's no tomorrow and we will have a lot of touchdowns and a lot of people celebrating."

In all, Griffin finished the game with 17 pass attempts against the Colts - more than any other preseason game - and was able to establish more of a rhythm than he did last week against the Bears.

On what he's improved on this preseason, Griffin said: "Timing and just feeling more comfortable, and getting in the flow of the game, and being able to play a little bit. I got a bunch of plays today and I thought everyone just clicked extremely well."

With the Colts game now in the rearview mirror, Griffin's preseason is over, as the starters will not play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wednesday. He finished the preseason completing 20 of 31 passes for 193 yards, two touchdowns and a 103.2 quarterback rating.

Its difficult to glean much from Griffin's performances thus far. The Redskins did not show a lot of the offense that they plan to show once the regular season begins. But through three exhibition games, there appears to be a number of encouraging signs for the team's newest hope at the game's most important position.

"I think he keeps on getting better and better and more comfortable with the system, what we're trying to do," said Mike Shanahan. "I think with every game he will feel more comfortable."

Alfred Morris ended one roster debate, and started a totally different one. Starting his second consecutive preseason game, sixth round rookie Alfred Morris delivered a performance that in all likelihood clinched his spot on the 53 man roster. That's what a 14 carry, 107-yard day will do for you.

"I definitely [think I helped myself]," Morris said after the game. "I came in and I just said ‘I'm making this 53 man roster. I'm going to make it hard for these coaches not to keep me on this roster.'"

He's done more than make it hard for the coaching staff. With the injury surrounding the team's other running backs, he's made it near-impossible to leave him off the final roster.

The Florida Atlantic product once again showed the great vision and one-cut ability that's so vital to being a zone runner in Mike and Kyle Shanahan's scheme. He was patient on a lot of his runs, allowing his lineman to execute their blocks, and he was decisive once he picked a hole to run through. Last week against the Bears, showed off his physicality, particularly when he ran over seven-time Pro Bowler Lance Briggs on his first carry of the game. Saturday against the Colts, he showed a shiftier side to his game, making men miss both at the line of scrimmage and in the open field.

But what was perhaps even more impressive was the fact that Morris showed well in pass protection, something the coaching staff puts a great deal of emphasis on.

"I knew what I'm capable of," he said. "I came from a small school, but I know my [work ethic]. I know my willingness and want-to to be great."

With his recent performance, the conversation has now shifted from Morris potentially making the final roster to him possibly opening the season as the starting running back, a seemingly unfathomable thought at the beginning of training camp.

"I've said this from day one: we have a very competitive football team and we're going to play the best players," Mike Shanahan said of Morris. "He may be the lonely soldier at the end. We might only have one with the way things have been going, but he did play well."

"At the end of the day," Morris added, "everyone wants to be the starter. Nobody wants to be a backup."

With the state of the Redskins offensive backfield, nothing's out of the question.

The Redskins clearly wanted to experiment with return options that are not named Brandon Banks. Despite having a 91-yard punt return last game against the Bears, Brandon Banks did not start the game as a kick or punt returner. Instead, tight end Niles Paul returned kicks and Santana Moss returned punts.

Shanahan has told Banks that he must be able to contribute as a wide receiver in order to make the final 53 man roster. Thus far, Banks hasn't been able to do that, and with the likes of Aldrick Robinson and Dezmon Briscoe outshining him so far from a receiver standpoint, it's put Banks in a tough spot.

Since the last two receivers on the roster must play special teams, it was interesting to see the coaching staff go in a different direction at the return spots, opting to experiment with Paul -- a former return specialist at Nebraska -- and Moss, a thirteen year veteran.

"I'm always willing [to do it]," Moss said afterward. "I've been messing around saying ‘Hey man, if Banks ever stubs his toe, you can count on me'."

With just one preseason game left to play, and still plenty of competition for the last two receiver spots, there are bound to be a few tough cuts this coaching staff is going to have to make. Will Banks be one of them?

Tanard Jackson is making things interesting at safety. With Brandon Meriweather missing the remainder of the preseason with a knee injury, it was Tanard Jackson who got the start instead of Meriweather's listed backup, Reed Doughty.

The stat sheet says that Jackson finished the game with three tackles and two assists, but he was much more active than the numbers suggest. Jackson laid big hits on receivers, forcing drops or (at worst) negating the potential for yards after the catch. He also flip-flopped positions with fellow safety Madieu Williams, toggling between free safety to strong throughout the game.

Perhaps his highlight play came at the end of the first half, when he jarred the ball loose on a vicious hit to a Colts receiver on a hailmary attempt. It was a lick that had secondary coach Raheem Morris hooting-and-hollering as the team went back into the tunnel for halftime.

The former Bucs safety started off training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and clearly lagged behind the other safeties in the days after he was cleared to practice. But since then, he's adapted quickly and performed well when given the chance to play, a trend that continued against the Colts Saturday.

It'll be interesting to see if Jackson plays Wednesday against his former team in a game in which the Redskins do not plan to play their starters.

"I don't know [if I'll play Wednesday]," he said after Saturday's game. "With Meriweather obviously being out the rest of the preseason, I guess I am the starter right now. I don't know if I'll play or not."

For more Redskins coverage, follow Daniel on Twitter at @dshif .Also, be sure to check out SB Nation's Redskins blog, Hogs Haven, as well as SB Nation's NFL hub

Redskins Vs. Colts: Post-Game Quotes From The Redskins Locker Room

2012-08-26T01:07:05Z

LANDOVER, Md - Here are some post-game locker room quotes following the Redskins 30-17 preseason victory over the Colts:

Pierre Garcon

On the offense's performance: "We did a lot of great things today. We ran the ball well, threw the ball well, got some yard both in the air an don the ground. We still have [some things] to clean up, but we did a good job out there today."

On Robert Griffin's performance: "He did a great job. We helped him out, running the ball well.....he's got a lot of things to work on, but it's a good start, a good preseason."

On the deep passes: "Coach Shanahan likes to throw deep ball. We thought we had it. It was a good play. I gotta get my speed up to get to it, but it'll come...Deep balls are very tough to hit. One little misstep can throw it off, and too far ahead of the ball can throw it off as well...it's going to come along."

Santana Moss

On returning punts: "I'm always willing [to do it]. It's something that I think I'll forever know how to do. It's just something that comes with you. They gave a chance to get back there."

On if he wanted to return punts or if the coaching staff approached him: "I've been talking about it all OTAs. Especially since I lost all that weight, I feel like I could run again. It's a lot [easier], I feel like my old self. I've been messing around saying ‘Hey man, if [Brandon] Banks ever stumps his toe, you can count on me'"

On the first team offense and Robert Griffin III: "He did alright. It's nothing to get all crazy about. We did what we had to do. We went out there and moved the ball. We left a lot of stuff out on the field also, so there's nothing to get too crazy about...I think we did enough to be pleased with tonight."

Tim Hightower

On playing for the first time since last October: "It felt good,man. It just felt good being out there. I don't think I was really worried about the knee. Once I got out there I kinda got caught in the crowd and what [was] going on. It was just football, getting out there just playing football. The knee was fine, it just felt good to be apart of it."

On how important his first run was to him: "It was special. I think I hugged my coach and trainers about 18 times, just because it's been a long road. It's really been a long road. I knew how special it would be when coach told me the other day I was getting ready to play, but you really don't know that feeling until you get back out there and you do it. You hear the crowd noise, you're in the huddle with the guys, and on the sideline. It was special."

On Alfred Morris: "I kind of fed off some of Alfred's energy. That guy was running hard. He helped me. He kinda gave me that spark, seeing him out there running hard and putting everything out there."

On if he's encouraged after his first outing: "Absolutely. It's the first step. It's not the end of the road, I still got a lot of work to do, and I still feel like there's improvement I gotta do, but I'm in the ballgame."

Alfred Morris

On if he helped himself: "I definitely do, but I came in and I just said ‘I'm making this 53 man roster. I'm going to make it hard for these coaches not to keep me on this roster.' And I think I definitely helped myself going out there today. If I get in again next week, I'm gonna do the same thing, have fun and just work hard."

On potentially being the starting running back: "At the end of the day, everyone wants to be the starter, nobody wants to be a backup. "

On if he was surprised with his quick progress: "I knew what I'm capable of. I came from a small school, but I know my [work ethic]. I know that my willingness and want-to to be great. I definitely knew within myself that I could be a starter one day. I knew it was a process, and once I get my opportunities, I was going to make the most of it. I definitely have been getting a lot of opportunities a lot sooner than I thought due to injuries. "

Colts Vs. Redskins Score Update: Washington Defeats Indianapolis 30-17

2012-08-25T23:13:42Z

The preseason battle of rookie quarterbacks was won by Washington's Robert Griffin III, as his Redskins bested Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts 30-17 on Saturday night at FedEx Field. Both rookie signal callers played well for their team, and the Washington ground game and defensive front were the difference in the contest.

Griffin finished the game 11 of 17 passing for 74 yards and a touchdown. Luck, the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, completed 14 of 23 throws for 151 yards and a touchdown.

Running back Alfred Morris, battling to make the Redskins roster, was impressive running the ball. He gained 107 yards on 14 carries with a two-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

It should be noted that Washington backup quarterback Rex Grossman was eight for eight in second half duty, throwing for 127 yards and two touchdowns. This was after getting booed upon his entry to the game.

For more on the Redskins, check out Hogs Haven and stay tuned to SB Nation D.C. For a view from the other sideline, visit Stampede Blue and SB Nation Indiana. For all your NFL news and nuggets, be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Chris Baker Injury: Washington Redskins Defensive Lineman Leaves Game With Ankle Injury

2012-08-25T22:56:33Z

The Washington Redskins are currently leading the Indianapolis Colts 30-10 in their third preseason game of the year, with Robert Griffin III and the Washington running game looking particularly good on Saturday night. Unfortunately, it appears the Redskins defensive front has taken a hit late in the game. Via Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Washington:

Team announced Chris Baker has an ankle injury and is questionable to return. #Redskins
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikElBashir) August 25, 2012

The Redskins have already lost nose tackle Chris Nield to injury, and an extended absence from Baker would leave Washington thin up front on the defensive line. No word yet from the team on the extent of the injury.

For more on the Redskins, check out Hogs Haven and stay tuned to SB Nation D.C. For a view from the other sideline, visit Stampede Blue and SB Nation Indiana. For all your NFL news and nuggets, be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Colts Vs. Redskins Score Update: Washington Extends Lead to 23-7 Over Indianapolis After 3 Quarters

2012-08-25T22:26:54Z

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has now left the game, but the team extended their lead over the Indianapolis Colts and fellow rookie quarterback Andrew Luck and now lead 23-7 after three quarters.

Griffin III finished the game 11 of 17 for 74 yards and a touchdown, good for a 93.8 quarterback rating. Luck, taken one spot ahead of Griffin in the 2012 NFL Draft, finished his night 14 of 23 for 151 yards and a touchdown, a 94.7 quarterback rating.

Washington scored first in the third quarter when Chris Wilson picked up a safety. The Redskins tacked on seven more points courtesy of a Rex Grossman touchdown toss to Josh Morgan.

Colts Vs. Redskins Score Update: Washington Offense Comes Alive, Skins Lead 14-7 At Halftime

2012-08-25T21:27:11Z

After both teams failed to get on the board in the first quarter, the Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts combined for three touchdowns in the second quarter, with Washington leading 14-7 at the half.

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Washington scored first, with an Alfred Morris two yard touchdown run capping an eight play, 66 yard drive. The Colts answered, with Andrew Luck tossing a 31-yard pass to T.Y. Hilton to tie the game 7-7. The Redskins took the 14-7 lead just before the half, on a nicely designed RGIII rollout toss to Santana Moss from four yards out.

The Redskins ground game, particularly rookie Alfred Morris, has been impressive in the first half. Morris has 12 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his spot on the roster. Tim Hightower chipped in an 18-yard run in the second quarter, his first carry since October 2011.

Colts Vs. Redskins Score Update: Washington, Indianapolis Scoreless After First Quarter

2012-08-25T20:41:57Z

A preseason battle showcasing the top two quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft has seen little offense in the first quarter, with the Indianapolis Colts and host Washington Redskins tied 0-0 after 15 minutes of play.

Robert Griffin III has made a few nice throws, and is four for seven in the quarter, for just 25 yards. The Redskins QB was also hit hard from the blind-side early in the game, the first time this preseason the team's franchise quarterback was roughed up.

Fellow rookie QB Andrew Luck was five of eight for 38 yards in the first quarter for the Colts.

The Redskins defense took advantage of a young Colts offensive line, with Ryan Kerrigan, London Fletcher and Stephen Bowen all getting to Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck.

ANIMATED: Robert Griffin III Takes Biggest Shot Of Preseason To Date

2012-08-25T20:29:58Z

Much has been made of the Washington Redskins' attempts to keep Robert Griffin III unharmed during the exhibition season, and Team Shanahan had managed to do a good job during the first two games of the 2012 preseason. Then, early in Saturday's game against the Colts, this happened:

Just a note for Mo Hurt: allowing linebackers to light up your prized rookie quarterback in game three of the preseason is not exactly a way to impress coaches. This offensive line just might get RGIII killed before the season is over. Or the rookie may rush for 1,000 yards in a valiant attempt to stay upright as he escapes collapsed pockets. Only time will tell.