Clarke County Sports: Redskins slug out last second win over Jets

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Redskins slug out last second win over Jets

Dustin Hopkins 5 for 5 Doug Aylestock / CCS

LANDOVER, Md.- The Washington Redskins had a chance to look at most of their squad as they opened their home preseason against the New York Jets on Thursday August 16. Dustin Hopkins kicked 5 field goals, including the game winner with no time remaining.

When asked about Hopkins 40 yard winning field goal Redskins head coach Jay Gruden had this to say, "We evaluate all the situations, so it’s important. It’s a big kick for [Dustin] [Hopkins], a big snap for [Nick] Sundberg, and a big hold for Tress Way. I don’t care, its still good work for them. There’s big time protection on that play."

Most of the starters saw limited action and the offense scored on their opening drive as Alex Smith played his only series of the night going 4 of 6 for 48 yards and a qb rating of 91.

The drive stalled and the Redskins got the first of their five field goals. Smith was welcomed to Washington with a sack on his first play from scrimmage.

Alex Smith 4 of 6 for 48 yards Doug Aylestock / CCS

“To be honest, you know, it’s almost a blessing to go out there. You haven’t played in a long time; you haven’t taken a hit. We’ve been wearing, you know, yellow jerseys all off-season and to kind of get that first shot, get the completion, it was nice."Smith said, "A nice way to start it off kind of get the cob webs out, get you back into football mode right away."

Colt McCoy received the most work of the quarterback trio. McCoy had a decent night going 12 of 16 for 140 yards and 1 interception. McCoy and the Redskins second unit played much of the time against the Jet's first unit.

McCoy hit wide receiver Cam Sims for a touchdown, but it was called back on a penalty against the Redskins.

"Well, I wish I would have seen the catch. I think we got the penalty for it, and we got a lot of yards out of it.”McCoy said.

Rookie linebacker Jarod Fernandez out of NC State paced the defense with 3 solo tackles, 3 assists, and 2 sacks. Troy Apke and Prince Charles Iworah each had an interception for the Redskins defense.