INTERVIEW — TREVOR MATICH – WMAL’s Redskins Analyst @TMatich
- Redskins defeat the Jets, 15-13, as Alex Smith makes a short-lived debut (Fox 5) — In the end, the final score didn’t matter, but the outcome was more than enough to buoy a Washington Redskins locker room still learning to jell and a fifth-year head coach trying to make due with a depleted roster. Their starting quarterback, Alex Smith, played only one series Thursday night against the New York Jets, but he withstood a crushing blow on his first snap of preseason work and managed to show why the Redskins appear to be in capable hands. Their defense kept rookie quarterback Sam Darnold off his game and occasionally running for cover. And youngsters — such as wide receiver Cam Sims, who rebounded from a crucial drop-turned-interception to be a key contributor on offense — showed they can be trusted in key moments, even after glaring missteps. Preseason games are about evaluations and adjustments, Coach Jay Gruden said. But the victories taste just as sweet this time of year. “I don’t care what anybody says. It’s a heck of a lot more fun to win than lose, no matter when it is. Preseason or not,” Gruden said following the Redskins’ come-from-behind 15-13 win over the Jets at FedEx Field. “It’s great to see our guys come back.”
