Grossman, Hightower, Banks stand out in win The result pleased the Redskins, providing them with a tiny step on the road to where they want to go. That’s what they wanted to see. Does it matter that Pittsburgh only played its entire starting offense for one series? Or its starting defense for two?
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Well, yes. And no. The Steelers don’t need to prove anything early in the preseason. They’re the AFC champions and perennial playoff participants. But the Redskins, 16-7 winners over Pittsburgh on Friday night, have a lot to prove. One positive showing doesn’t change any of that, but it did provide them with positive vibes.
“We made a step in the right direction,” center Will Montgomery said.
– John Keim
| Notes |
| » Tight end Chris Cooley, who did not play in the Redskins’ 16-7 win over Pittsburgh on Friday, could miss the next two preseason games as well because of a sore left knee. Coach Mike Shanahan said Cooley saw a specialist Wednesday and remains sore. “He’ll miss, I believe, a couple of weeks,” Shanahan said. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed that he’ll be back. When will it be? I can’t tell you for sure.” Shanahan said Cooley has had his knee drained “a few times.” “That’s not good,” Shanahan said. “He’s a tough player and he wants to get back quick. We have to give him a break and, hopefully, he can get that knee responding well.” Cooley has missed the majority of practices since Aug. 3. |
| » Returner Brandon Banks said his left knee is still not 100 percent. Though he looked faster than most players on the field, he said he still notices a difference. “I still have a ways to go,” he said. “I don’t have that burst like I usually have.” |
What stood out:
QB Rex Grossman
The Redskins’ offensive line did a nice job in run blocking, performing better as a unit. The pass blocking was OK, but that’s all it needed to be thanks to Grossman. The Redskins didn’t hit many big plays, but Grossman sustained drives by making quick decisions. A couple times right guard Chris Chester and right tackle Jammal Brown would have been in trouble had Grossman not acted fast. But this is why experience in a system matters. Sometimes they’ll buy the quarterback time and make them look good; other times the quarterback can compensate.
Grossman clearly trusts Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney, as he should — 12 of his 26 attempts went their way. Both run excellent routes and adjust to what they see. Add it up and it equals quick throws underneath.
“[Moss] is a quarterback’s best friend,” Grossman said.
KR/PR Brandon Banks
The second-year returner reminded everyone why he made the roster last season. And why he’ll be tough to ditch. It wasn’t just the 58-yard kickoff return from seven yards deep (an aggressive act by a playmaker), it was his 20-yard return in which he patiently set up his blocks by pausing on the catch, taking a quick hop and then darting right. The Redskins lack legitimate big-time playmakers on offense. Banks is one on special teams. He has flaws, durability among them, but it’ll take a lot to get rid of him.
RB Tim Hightower
The Redskins new runner plays with energy, which will rub off on his teammates. He ran as if he had played in this system his whole career. Hightower finished with 10 carries for 44 yards. He set up his blocks well, and he made defenders miss, even running over ex-Redskin safety Ryan Clark. Hightower picked up blitzes well. His cutdown of a linebacker enabled Grossman to hit Moss for an eight-yard score. If nothing else, he’ll be a solid backup.
“He seems like he’s as good as Clinton Portis was, just being able to stick his nose in there and be real tough about it and stop those guys at the line,” Grossman said.
Flowing linebackers
Nose tackle Barry Cofield and defensive end Stephen Bowen, among others, allowed London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh to move freely to the ball. The difficult part is gauging just how good they were with the Steelers not playing all their starters after the first series. But Cofield and the rest of the front were more active than last year’s group.
“I love them,” linebacker Brian Orakpo said. “They’re going to push that pocket and make plays.”
