Redskins Underdogs: Preseason Week 1

(Photo: pensacolanewsjournal.com)

One thing I love about watching preseason football is the unknown player that steps up and makes a name for himself. Somebody that nobody saw coming. I like to call them "Underdogs". What qualifies you to be an Underdog? Well, it's simple. You play in the second half of the preseason game. Here are three guys that have made to my "Underdogs to Watch" list.

Alfred Morris
Redskins rookie running back Alfred Morris (above) put the team on his back in the second half. He finished with 15 carries for 54 yards. He ran with a low pad level and kept his feet churning. He's a good north-south runner that always finishes going straight forward. He doesn't get knocked around.

Unfortunately, he's in a bad situation. In order to make the team, he'll be battling Tim Hightower, Roy Helu Jr, and Evan Royster. However, I do think that Morris should receive some serious consideration from the Redskins. He's got more upside than most people believe.

Chris Wilson
The defensive end who saw time last season is still fighting for it this season. Wilson was second on the team in overall tackles with five and even had one tackle for a loss. While he never got to the quarterback, he was wreaking havoc in the backfield as he was blowing up the Bills offensive lineman and pushing them into the lap of the quarterback.
Wilson will probably make the team due to defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's need for depth. He's an excellent pass rusher and I fully expect to make a some big plays down the road.

Richard Crawford

(Photo: wordpress.com)

A.K.A: Brandon Banks' worst nightmare. The last thing that Banks wanted last night was to have the back punt returner make plays at his regular position. And that's exactly what Crawford did. He had one tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception last night at his cornerback position. On his interception, he got his head around early, stuck with the wideout, and made the play. It was just an all-around great play from him. Crawford also averaged 14 yards per punt return on three returns and his longest went for 17 yards.

The Redskins aren't going to waste a roster spot on a player that has only position of punt returner. Brandon Banks needs to make some huge plays on offense as his punt return back-up, Crawford, made himself more valuable last night. It's not that the Redskins don't want Banks on the team, it's that they get more bang for their buck with Crawford than they do with Banks.

So there we go! The first three members of my "Underdogs Watch" list: Alfred Morris, Chris Wilson, Richard Crawford. Keep an eye on all these guys for the rest of the preseason. They could very well be diamonds in the rough.


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