1. The first defensive snap showed what Albert Haynesworth could do without doing anything. He drew a double team, breaking through center Justin Hartwig. But the real key is that Andre Carter drew a one-on-one — and got underneath Max Starks’ pads for an easy path to the quarterback. He batted down the attempted screen.
2. The first time Brian Orakpo lined up next to Haynesworth he played tackle while the big fella was at end. Orakpo showed he could go inside on a stunt, as he did last week. Another time he went inside as Haynesworth went out, a combination of speed and power.
3. Two tough calls. The new emphasis is on hits vs. defenseless receivers while leading with the shoulder and helmet. They got DeAngelo Hall for that on Pittsburgh’s first drive, though that looked like a call that would be made in the preseason but not the regular season. They later called Charlie Batch for intentional grounding when he unloaded the ball as he was getting drilled. Guess it’s preseason for the refs, too.
4. Love the fake punt. Yes, there’s a thought they could hold off on those until the regular season. But the Redskins rarely show it and this gave the first offense a chance to continue a drive, which they sorely needed.
5. Like the aggressiveness going downfield, but they need to complete those once in a while. But you can’t complete it without attempting it.
6. Like that Malcolm Kelly started. He deserves it more than Devin Thomas, based off practices.
