The Washington Redskins continued their 2019 preseason with a 19-7 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 of the preseason on Thursday night.
Here are five takeaways from the victory:
1. Derrius Guice Flashes Potential In Debut
Earning his first action in over a full calendar year, Guice flashed his potential that has been so highly touted from Redskins coaches throughout his time in Washington. The second-year running back shimmied, cut, and stiff-armed defenders throughout his two quarters of action, racking up 44 yards on 11 carries. With Adrian Peterson served as the workhorse last season, adding a healthy, dynamic Guice could prove to be invaluable for the Redskins offense this fall.
2. Landon Collins Looks Ready for Week 1
Collins adds a new dynamic to the young burgundy and gold defense thanks to his elite run-stopping abilities, vicious hits and formidable play in coverage. The three-time Pro Bowlers was all over the field in the first half against Atlanta and nearly recorded his first interception as a Redskin.
3. Reserve Linebackers Continue To Produce
Aside from the starting linebackers -- Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat on the outside, Jon Bostic and Shaun Dion Hamilton in the middle -- there have been multiple reserves who have proved their worth during the preseason. Undrafted free agent B.J. Blunt continued to make his case for the final 53-man roster by displaying his speed and physicality from sideline to sideline. Cassanova McKinzy again showcased his burst off the edge, recording two sacks while also forcing a Falcons fumble after dipping around the offensive tackle slapping the ball out Falcons quarterback Danny Etling's hands. The potential for multiple rotations on the edge will provide defensive coordinator Greg Manusky with consistent explosiveness and pressure from both sides of the line.
4. Haskins Displays Increased Chemistry With Receivers
After a strong showing at training camp in Richmond, second-year wideout Cam Sims was eerily quiet in the first two preseason games. But on Thursday night, Sims hauled in three catches for 48 yards, one of which was a one-handed snag on a flat route towards the left sideline. Haskins also connected with fellow rookie Kelvin Harmon multiple times early in the fourth quarter. Harmon's size and athleticism makes him another potential threat in a crowded wide receivers room.
5. The Fight To Make The 53-man Roster
Thursday's matchup with the Falcons served as the annual "dress rehearsal" for the Redskins first-team playes. After the starting 22 filtered their way off the turf, multiple players stood out among the bubble players heading into Week 4 of the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens. Defensive lineman Ryan Bee tied for the team lead in tackles (four) while also recording a tackle for loss. Safety JoJo McIntosh recorded multiple helmet-rattling hits on Falcons ball carriers and also showed his versatility on special teams. Meanwhile, wide receiver Robert Davis continued to make his presence felt, this time on special teams. He found himself at the center of two muffed Atlanta punts and recovered one of them to set the Redskins' offense up with a short field.