Finally, there is real football being played, and at least for the first quarter of the first preseason game of the season the Washington Redskins looked like a much more competent team than last year's edition of the Burgundy and Gold. Well, that is as long as you ignore the kicking game, but we'll get to that in a moment. The Redskins and Steelers are scoreless after the first quarter, but there have been multiple bright spots for Washington.
With Pittsburgh receiving the opening kickoff, Washington's defense showed some good and bad on their first defensive series of the preseason, with London Fletcher not surprisingly delivering the good while the bad was a breakdown in the secondary luckily not exploited by Steelers QB Ben Roethliesberger. Fletcher had two tackles and a sack on the opening series, once again showing the skill and competitive fire that makes him Washington's defensive leader.
After allowing a punt to be downed on their one yard line, much talked about quarterback Rex Grossman led the Redskins on a 88 yard drive, only to have Shayne Graham miss a chipshot 29 yard field goal. That will not aid Graham in his battle with incumbent Graham Gano. Grossman looked composed on the drive, delivering balls to Santana Moss and Fred Davis off playaction for large chunks of yards. For the game Grossman is 8 of 10 for 76 yards. New running back acquisition Tim Hightower has been impressive as well, rushing eight times for 39 yards, with a long run of 16 yards.
This is all well and good, and I know it's pretty early in the preseason for this gripe, but how about some points?
For much more on the Redskins vs. Steelers game, stay tuned to this StoryStream and visit Hogs Haven. For more from the Steelers' perspective, visit Behind the Steel Curtain and SB Nation Pittsburgh.