Washington Redskins eke out preseason win over Titans
The preseason game showed that Washington has some weapons in its offensive arsenal.
1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County
2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day
3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys
4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping
5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football
6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen
7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust
8. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli
9. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible
10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area
Friday, August 9, 2013
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Bacarri Rambo got his welcome-to-the-NFL moment. Kirk Cousins showed he may have staying power. And after both were long gone, fourth-string quarterback Pat White led Washington to a dramatic 22-21 victory over Tennessee on Thursday night.
The Redskins first preseason game exhibited what should be a potent offense, but big questions remain on the other side of the ball.
Rambo is the rookie safety who the Redskins are counting on to start this year, and he was put in a bind early.
Titans Pro Bowl running back Chris Johnson caught the Redskins defensive line overpursuing, and Rambo was the only man between Johnson and daylight. The rookie whiffed badly.
That could mean extended time in future preseason games for Rambo, as the Skins try to get him ready for when the wins and losses count.
Cousins will be Washington's backup quarterback this season, but the team will
feel confident if he's needed after a strong showing Thursday.
He went six of seven for 52 yards, completing passes to five receivers, including a touchdown to Fred Davis.
But it was White who captained the Redskins in crunch time. Down by a touchdown, he ran his way to a pair of first downs, and connected with receiver Lance Lewis on another.
Lewis fumbled right before crossing the goal line on the next play, but was saved by a roughing the passer call against the Titans.
White ran in a 9-yard touchdown, then bought himself a few seconds in the pocket on the ensuing two-point conversion, throwing to Emmanuel Ogbuehi for a completion and the victory.
The earlier returns were also positive from the offense, including 57 yards for running back Roy Helu, who looked sharp after missing most of 2012.
Quarterback Robert Griffin III didn't play, but he didn't join the other reserve players in sweats. He put on his full uniform, including pads, even though the coaches had already announced he wouldn't participate.
Most of the team's veterans with injury issues sat out. One notable scratch was rookie running back Chris Thompson, a draft pick who continues his rehab from ACL surgery.
Among the participants, third-string quarterback Rex Grossman struggled, but did lead a touchdown drive to end the first half, connecting with receiver Leonard Hankerson, who had a strong outing.
1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County
2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day
3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys
4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping
5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football
6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen
7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust
8. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli
9. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible
10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area
THE ROANOKE TIMES
