What we learned, Vol 1, Chapter 4

The Redskins lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-17 Thursday night in the teams' final preseason game.

The Skins starters played sparingly, and (I believe) seven starters did not play at all. So I'm not even going to bother talking in detail about how the starters played. The "first-team" defense was so-so, the first-team offense was decent. Campbell looked comfortable, which is saying a lot considering Campbell almost never looks comfortable.

This being the final preseason game, the matchup belonged to backups. Todd Collins, the Redskins No. 2 QB, did not play. It was basically Chase Daniel vs. Colt Brennan for the Skins' No. 3 QB spot.

So what did we learn?

1. Anthony Alridge lost the ball, and probably lost a roster spot.
OK, I'll admit that I liked the way Alridge ran the ball last week against the Patriots. I liked his speed - something the Redskins' backfield didn't see much of last season. Unfortunately, Alridge fumbled the ball returning the Jags first kickoff, and Jacksonville recovered and quickly scored a touchdown putting the Redskins down 10-0 before the Skins offense touched the ball.

The other two running backs, Marcus Mason and Dominique Dorsey played well - I'll probably give the edge to Dorsey - so, that one mistake will probably cost Alridge his job with the Redskins.

2. The Redskins third-string QB situation is too close to call.
Daniel and Brennan both played well, but Daniel's night started out awkwardly because he came in after Campbell, leading the Redskins' second-team offense against mostly Jacksonville's first-team defense. It wasn't pretty. Daniel barely had time to throw - and in many cases didn't have time to throw - in his first-half action. Brennan relieved Daniel in the third quarter and faired better. Brennan was solid but not spectacular. He said after the game:

"I thought I managed the ball well--I didn't throw an interception today everybody!--so we're making progress."

Brennan had to leave the game midway through the fourth quarter because of a leg injury (did not seem serious), and Daniel came back in. He played much better against the Jags' third stringers than he did against the first, leading the Redskins down the field and throwing a TD to Marko Mitchell.

It'll be a tough decision on who the Redskins keep, and who they let go. I think the team will keep Brennan and try to stash Daniel on the practice squad. I'm not sure that will work out. My opinion? Try and keep both. They have talent.

3. The kicking situation is not settled.
Shaun Suisham and Dave Rayner are battling for the Redskins kicking job this season, but unfortunately, the Skins are just too bad on offense for the kickers to get many field-goal tries in. It will come down to the wire, and I think the team will probably keep Suisham because they're comfortable with him, even if he is one of the worst kickers in football.

4. Joe Theismann should be replaced as a broadcaster.
I love the guy as a Redskin, but as a broadcaster, it's just sad. And annoying. A few of his gems: (Talking about Campbell): "He stands there like a tree in a forest" trying to say that he sees above everyone. uh-huh. After Suisham kicked a 48-yard field goal: "I guess you could say he has a leg up right now." Yes, that was bad, Joe. "Pacman (Jones) is headed to the CFL" No, he's not Joe. They said no to Pacman. Joe also was talking about "that other league" referring to the UFL. Eesh. Oh, and pronouncing Reed Doughty's last name "Doherty" over, and over, and over again.

Some other (small) things we learned ...
Marko Mitchell, who caught a TD from Daniel in the fourth quarter, will make the team, and perhaps get a lot of playing time during the season. ... Defensive end/linebacker Chris Wilson had a tremendous game rushing the Jags QBs ... I thought backup fullback Eddie Williams did not have a good game, missing blocks. Mason didn't have much room to run. ... One-time starter-now-backup safety Reed Doughty has impressed me this preseason. I didn't like him last year, but he's come to play. Reminds me of former Redskin Matt Bowen. ... Second-year cornerback Justin Tryon had a good game with an interception, and looked really fast returning the pick. ... Rookie linebacker Robert Henson finally stood out on defense. Thought he might be on the bubble. Still might be, but he had a good game. .. Receiver Keith Eloi had a great catch from Daniel, but I think he'll still be among the cuts.