RICHMOND, Va. -- The Washington Redskins didn't make a lot of big plays overall Thursday, at least on offense. So it's not surprising that their rookie draft picks on that side of the ball displayed inconsistency in their preseason opener. But on defense, the Redskins' draft picks showed why they were selected -- notably linebacker Ryan Anderson.
Here's a look at how the rookies performed:
Defensive end Jonathan Allen: He worked with the starters in the nickel package, alongside Matt Ioannidis. Allen did have a couple of nice rushes, showing power, but it wasn't a flashy performance (not necessarily his style, anyway). He also displayed hustle (as did pretty much everyone along the line) in chasing down runners on the other side. Allen recorded a sack by driving his man back at a good angle -- around 7 yards deep, helping pinch the pocket. Because he was at the proper rush depth, Allen was able to come off his man and sack Ryan Mallett.
Linebacker Ryan Anderson: Anderson showed that he knows how to set an edge, which is what he's done throughout camp as well. He rushed from a three-point stance on both sides of the line; he also rushed standing up from the inside. But what he did best was get upfield fast to take on lead blockers. He did so one time, not just occupying two blockers but driving one back. That forced the back to run wider, and that enabled speedy Zach Brown to tackle him for no gain. A nice play by Brown set up by Anderson.
Running back Samaje Perine: He was inconsistent in protection, but he did have success in this area. On two occasions, he crossed the quarterback's face to pick up a blitzer -- one time shoving him out of the way at the last second to clear a throw for Colt McCoy. There were a couple of times Baltimore fooled Perine, which led to issues. The good thing for Perine: It's about experience, not want-to. He didn't do this a whole lot in college so there's a learning curve. He did fumble once, which is never good. As a runner, he had one good run around the end, lowering his shoulder at the end for a couple of more yards. Overall, he appeared to be thinking too much on some of his runs.
Receiver Robert Davis: He caught one pass for 31 yards and made a good play on special teams -- the latter means just as much. It's a key way for him to win a roster spot. Davis will learn from some routes. On one deep ball, he started off just outside the numbers and used an outside release. But he drifted too close to the sidelines, giving McCoy little room to make a throw.
Tight end Jeremy Sprinkle:He caught one pass for five yards and mostly served as a blocker. Sprinkle's size stands out, but he didn't hold his blocks as well as he, or the coaches, probably wanted him to -- more about technique than anything else. That was evident in both the run game and in protection.
Linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons: It was his first game action at linebacker after playing safety in college, but the wiry Clemons showed that he can get to the ball and will play physical. He moved well in coverage, as you would expect. Both he and undrafted free-agent linebacker Nico Marley made plays.
Corner Josh Holsey: He was called for a pass interference penalty when he retreated and ran into the intended receiver on an underthrown ball. But he made a nice play downfield, helping over to deflect one pass. He also covered his man well on another short throw.
