It’s hard to glean much from any NFL preseason game – the stakes are low, and often the tempo and crispness of the game is fractionally lower; but there are things you can look at, and over-analyze, because that’s the modern day sports arena! Here are some quick hitters about the Washington Redskins 23-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium:
1. Jason Hatcher is Legit
Arguably the season’s most important offseason acquisition, Hatcher wasted no time in establishing that he was “as advertised” in his first action of the season. On just his second play in the burgundy and gold, Hatcher bull-rushed his way to Joe Flacco for a 12-yard sack; he made Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda look pedestrian at best. Despite offseason knee surgery, and not playing in the first two preseason games, the former Cowboys’ defensive end was solid, and gave Redskins fans a glimpse of what he brings to the table, and the incredible versatility that it gives Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett in defensive packages. Hatcher also played 17 snaps, despite only being slated for 10 – a positive sign that his knee is doing well.