Game Recap: Redskins Outlast the Jets in Preseason Snoozefest
August 16, 2018
by Steve Thomas
The Washington Redskins defeated the New York Jets tonight in front of a sparse crowd at Fed Ex Field by a score of 15-13 in a game that appeared to be nothing like the volatile three days of practice between the two squads down in Richmond earlier in the week.
The first string offense, led by incoming starter Alex Smith, had a good showing to start the contest, using the short passing game to effectively move the ball down the field for a field goal. Rob Kelley was given the first rushing carries of the game, but was unable to gain significant yardage. The most noteworthy play was a dropped touchdown ball in the endzone by rookie receiver Trey Quinn. The Redskins defense had similar success to start the game, holding the Jets offense, quarterbacked by prized rookie Sam Darnold, to minimal yardage after Redskins rookie tackle Daron Payne made his first sack of his professional career. Colt McCoy replaced Smith in the Redskins’ second offensive series, but Samaje Perine stole the show, gaining 30 yards through a huge hole over the right side of the offensive line. The drive soon faltered, though, and Redskins settled for a second field goal to go up 6 – 0. The Jets’ second possession was more successful than their first, with New York able to move the ball down the field for a field goal of their own shortly after the start of the second quarter.
The Redskins transitioned to their second team in the second quarter, although the Jets kept their starters in the game longer than did Washington. Offensively, the star of the quarter was receiver Cam Sims, who made multiple outstanding catches, including a highlight reel effort in the end zone that was called back due to a penalty. On the negative side, Sims also let a ball bounce straight off his hands for an interception. The Redskins’ running game did not make progress, despite both Kapri Bibbs and Byron Marshall getting their shots. On defense, the play of the half was an interception by rookie safety Troy Apke.
At the half, Colt McCoy was 9 for 12 for 113 yards. Alex Smith finished his day 4 for 6 for 48 yards. Rob Kelley took 7 carries for 17 yards and Perine was 1 for 30. Bibbs was the leading receiver with 4 receptions for 45 yards.
The third quarter saw the pace of the game and excitement level slow down as both teams began to empty their benches, without much success. The Redskins handed the ball to third string quarterback Kevin Hogan, who was able to move the team down the field and get the team’s fourth field goal on the night. Hogan continued to look like a young, developing player, but did demonstrate more mobility than he had previously shown. Rookie running back Martez Carter finally got his first significant action of the preseason and looked good, with 4 carries for 45 yards. The Jets were led by Teddy Bridgewater but were unable to accomplish much during the period.
The Jets were the first team to find the endzone, with a 16 yard touchdown pass from Bridgewater to Charone Peake in the fourth quarter. They later tacked on a field goal to take the lead by a score of 12 – 13. Hogan then put together his best drive as a Redskin, making multiple sharp passes to drive the Redskins into field goal position with 4 seconds left. Kicker Dustin Hopkins walked off the Jets with his fifth field goal of the night, a 40 yard kick that gave Washington the victory by a final score of 15 – 13.
McCoy finished the game with 12 of 16 passes completed for 140 yards. Hogan was 7 for 11 for 58 yards. Carter led all rushers with 7 carries for 45 yards. Sims was the Redskins’ leading receiver with 3 receptions for 57 yards. On defense, Martrell Spaight led the way with 7 total tackles, including 3 solo tackles. Linebacker Jerod Fernandez was next with 6 total tackles. Zach Vigil and Quin Blanding had 4 tackles each.
On the health front, the only injury was to Samaje Perine, who appeared to suffer a minor ankle injury early in the game and did not return. ESPN’s John Keim reported that head coach Jay Gruden said after the game that Perine looks “ok”.
Players who flashed in this game included Sims, Carter, Payne, Quinn, and safety Prince Charles Iworah, who corralled his first interception as a Redskin.
The Redskins face the Denver Broncos next Friday in the third and most important preseason game of the season.