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Five things we learned about the Redskins this preseason
The Washington Redskins were once again big spenders in free agency this offseason, but this time they accomplished a roster overhaul without having to drop any massive contracts on one single free agent. With a rebuilt front seven and additional help in the secondary, the Redskins project to be a much stronger defense in 2015.
On the offensive end, the quarterback carousel seems to have spun around again and landed on Kirk Cousins. Always a favorite of head coach Jay Gruden's, Cousins has an opportunity to showcase that the progress we've seen from him this preseason is for real. Cousins is working through his reads faster, and if offensive line coach Bill Callahan can fast track his group up front, the Redskins could show improvement on the offensive side of the ball as well.
With the regular season set to kick off on Thursday, here are the five most important things we learned from the Redskins' preseason.
The Redskins view Kirk Cousins as the best fit in Jay Gruden's system
All offseason we read about Robert Griffin III's progress in year two in Jay Gruden's offensive scheme. After a concussion knocked him out of the second preseason game, Gruden's true preference surfaced when he named Kirk Cousins his starter going forward. Cousins struggled in 2014, but he has done an excellent job of mastering the offensive system, and this is a major reason why Gruden went with him. Through three preseason games, Cousins threw for just 13 incomplete passes on 43 attempts.
The run defense will be much improved
Before the meaningless fourth preseason game, the Redskins' first team defense allowed just 57 total rushing yards through three preseason games. In the third preseason game, they allowed just 35 yards on 13 carries -- less than three yards per carry. After adding Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea to the defensive line via free agency, the Redskins could boast one of the NFL's top run defenses in 2015.
Jamison Crowder will put pressure on Andre Roberts at slot wide receiver
After making noise early in training camp, an injury held rookie wide receiver Jamison Crowder out of early preseason action. In the all-important third preseason game, he showed the Redskins what he is capable of by hauling in four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. He also mixed in with the first team offense. He could push for the Redskins' slot receiver position early in the season.
The offensive line is a work in progress
When the Redskins hired offensive line guru Bill Callahan, many expected him to work his magic right away. With several new faces along the right side of the line, it could take some time. Throughout the preseason, the Redskins' offensive line has struggled. The right side of the line, featuring Brandon Scherrf and Morgan Moses could be a cause of concern early on.
Matt Jones could push for early down carries
When Redskins GM Scot McCloughan compared third-round rookie Matt Jones to Marshawn Lynch, most people laughed it off. Jones got work with the first team offense this preseason, and he has not disappointed. Jones has an explosive first step through the hole and he rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown on just 20 preseason carries. According to Pro Football Focus, 96 of those yards came after contact.
For more news and analysis on the Redskins and the rest of the NFC East, please head over to the FOXSports.com team pages. You can also find Dan on Twitter @DanSchneierNFL.
