RICHMOND, Va. -- Some offensive highlights from the Washington Redskins' first practice. Keep in mind: No pads. Sort of important, but this is all we can go on for now:
There’s a difference in how running back Alfred Morris moves compared to rookie Matt Jones and I’m sure part of that is about experience. Morris knows where he needs to run and how he needs to run. He looked fluid Thursday. Yes, they’re without pads but he ran the way they probably hoped. Jones looked a little more unsure at times and it showed in his movement. Still like his feet for the most part.
Coach Jay Gruden showed his usual energy, taking part in offensive drills as usual. What got him excited? A matchup between corner Chris Culliver and receiver DeSean Jackson. Gruden raced over to watch this matchup in one-on-one work up close. Jackson ran a nice comeback on the play for a completion.
One thing that’s noticeable with rookie receiver Jamison Crowder: He snatches the ball quickly. I saw him reach up on one pass and bring it down faster than most of his teammates. This allows him to get into his next cut quicker.
Tom Compton worked exclusively at right guard and this might be a good spot for him. I liked his hands in a one-on-one drill against Stephen Paea where he stopped the veteran lineman. I thought Morgan Moses handled himself well against rookie linebacker Preston Smith. In fact, he stopped him just about every time, showing pretty good footwork. Smith got him once when he was able to get inside after Moses set up outside. I wasn’t sure if Moses just wasn’t quick enough to work back inside or set too wide. But that was it -- and they had a few matchups.
In the one-on-ones, Smith tried a rip move against Moses, who stopped him. Next snap: Smith tried to get inside; Moses handled him again. Moses’ base is better than a year ago and he is now much more consistent. Let’s see how that holds up over camp.
Rookie right tackle Brandon Scherff was beaten inside by linebacker Trent Murphy during full-team work. Scherff was OK in one-on-one work, stopping Smith (a theme today) but getting beat by a nice rip move from Ryan Kerrigan -- Scherff ended up on the ground. No shame there, but that’s the sort of player he’ll be asked to stop this season. It’ll be good work for him. Scherff had to run a lap in full-team work after jumping early versus Kerrigan.
Trent Williams looked like Trent Williams in one-on-one work. Unless Kerrigan goes against him, not sure anyone will challenge him. Certainly Murphy did not. Williams is too patient and athletic to get beat by Murphy at this stage.
Rookie guard Arie Kouandjio will have to work on not letting rushers get so quick into his pads. Got a little upright versus Frank Kearse, who then drove him back.
For what it’s worth, the second offensive line Thursday, from left to right: Willie Smith, Kouandjio, Josh LeRibeus, Compton and Moses. The third group: Takoby Cofield, Bryce Quigley, Austin Reiter, Tyler Larsen and Ty Nsekhe.
Running back Chris Thompson worked at times with the first offense in their nickel package. He needs to stay healthy, but the coaches liked him enough a year ago. I enjoy watching backs like he and Trey Williams.
