ASHBURN, Virginia -- With the Washington Redskins' offseason practices over, here are some offensive observations:
Receiver Jamison Crowder: A lot of attention at receiver focused on rookie Josh Doctson and veteran DeSean Jackson. But Crowder is the target who left folks at Redskins Park excited. Late last year, the Redskins felt Crowder wore down (he admitted as much) and it impacted his ability to get free. Crowder has looked decisive and explosive in his routes this offseason. And don’t think that just because Doctson is here that Crowder will somehow get bumped in some three-receiver sets. The Redskins will be reluctant to sit Crowder based on how they felt he looked this spring, building on his 59-catch rookie season. He still must show he can shake defensive backs when they play press coverage.
Lineman Arie Kouandjio: His strength always has been a big part of his game, but he had to work on blocking on the move. He rotated with the starting offensive group throughout the spring practice sessions with Spencer Long. The projected starter (if healthy) is Shawn Lauvao, but if he’s not ready then Kouandjio could get the nod. The key will be if the Redskins tweak their blocking scheme, which they could do, so that they have a greater ability to block in a more confined area. That would play to Kouandjio’s strength.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins: Cousins had some strong days, but also was picked off a couple of times. However, Cousins at times threw more decisively. It also was clear that he’s taking charge of the offense more. He was not perfect and missed on some throws. In some cases, it was good defense; in others, it was about the throw.
Running back Matt Jones: I hesitate to say a whole lot about running backs in the spring because so much changes when the pads come on. But I will say the Redskins saw what they wanted from Jones -- taking better paths off handoffs, for instance. The sense is that they’re in a better spot than they were a year ago if he performs this season the way he has practiced this spring. However, the question for Jones remains consistency considering he has never been the main back for a 16-game season.
Tight end Jordan Reed: Yes, he missed the past three days of practice, including one last week and two this week. But Reed looked very good when he was in camp and the coaches’ confidence in him has only increased. Reed worked out in Houston and Miami before heading to Ashburn and will do so again before training camp. Reed’s work ethic is an understated part of his game -- he excelled at getting free on certain routes, but vowed to improve on them this offseason. The coaches say that mission was accomplished.
Offensive lineman Spencer Long: Kory Lichtensteiger remains the starter and even coach Jay Gruden said he wanted to use Long there in order to have another option during games. In other words, Long likely will stick at guard and be an emergency backup center. But with Lauvao still ailing, Long will get a chance to win the starting job in camp. Austin Reiter still appears to need more work and to play with more strength.