Redskins fall short vs. Bengals in Week 2 of the 2019 Preseason (8-15-19)

By: Jay Quimby

Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network

The first home game for the Skins this year started off with a bang. Andy Dalton’s 3rd pass of the game was tipped (Daron Payne) and picked for an interception. Then returned 96 yds for a TD by Montae Nicholson. For me this set the tone for the rest of Dalton’s evening. For the remainder of the first quarter it was a back in forth stale mate. The other area of concern was the 8 penalties in this quarter alone. I know it’s preseason, but being a coach this is a definite area of concern especially with your starters in the game.

At the beginning of the second quarter, we saw for the Bengals a change of quarterback. Bringing in Rookie QB Ryan Finley from NC State, was what the offense obviously needed. Because he lead them down the field for a 5-yard touchdown to Drew Sample. Making this a 6 to 6 contest, as both kickers missed the extra point attempts. The Redskins left in their starters from one more series and Case Keenum was is leading a good drive down the field until an offensive pass interference call against Cam Simms was called. Which I will get into that later in this article. The Bengals next offensive series was a short one, three plays it out. Enter Dwayne Haskins, on his first drive of the game he went three for three. Connecting with Robert Davis for a 55-yard touchdown. Allowing the Skins to take a 13 to 6 advantage. The Redskins went in the locker room at halftime with the lead despite the fact that the Bengals time of possession almost doubled their’s.

With the Redskins deferring to the second half, they receive the ball. There was not much action, back-and-forth until about six minutes into the third quarter. When the Redskins in their own territory turn the ball over on a fumble (JordanWillis, recovery by Kerry Wynn). Bengals got the ball and Ryan Finley at Washington’s 15-yard line lead the Bengals to a 3 yard TD to Auden Tate. Tied the game, Cin 13 Was 13. Ending third-quarter the Redskins punt the ball to the Bengals and Alex Erickson return the ball 22-yards to Cincinnati’s 37-yard line. Enter Jeff Driskel, leading the Bengals down the field to only miss a 46-yard field goal to begin the 4th quarter.

The Redskins started off the fourth quarter with what looked like a very promising drive. With the steam being sucked out of it with another offensive pass interference call on a spectacular catch by Kelvin Harmon. With this another punt, leaving the Bengals at the 29-yard line. J.Driskel lead an 8 play 32-yard drive where Tristian Vizcainio redeemed himself with 57-yard Field goal. With another stalled Redskins drive, they punt the ball away to a A.Erickson, who returns it 75-yards for a TD. After this, the Redskins brought in newly signed Jalan McClendon to give him some reps while still learning the offense.

The game ended with the Bengals winning 23 to 13 over the Redskins. You know in watching this game it raised quite a few questions about what they called the Saints rule. There was a couple calls were the wide receiver was clearly making a play on the ball and the defender was not but it was called offense of pass interference, which I see this rule possibly changing a lot of outcomes in future games. I really think they need to revisit this rule for a little more clarification.

Next Game:

August 22 vs Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium 7:30pm