A stirring fourth-quarter comeback nearly led to an unlikely victory. But because it's the preseason, it really doesn't matter. Here's what did matter for the Redskins in their 33-31 loss to the Bears:
RG3 Update: It wasn’t Robert Griffin III’s best night at QB as he showed good and bad. The bad: Griffin was less comfortable in the pocket than in the opener -– he also faced more pressure. Griffin still needs to develop a pocket presence, knowing when to escape and how. He doesn’t always look to just run, but it’s also clear he’s used to getting out of any situation. That’s tougher in the NFL and it showed on his fumble. He needed to either throw the ball away sooner or tuck it much better. Griffin, though, throws with a good base most of the time. He also showed that he can bounce back from adversity. In nine drives this preseason, Griffin has led the offense to points on only two -- a touchdown and a field goal.
Big winner: Second year WR Aldrick Robinson, who caught six passes for 104 yards -- catching passes on five different routes. Robinson is locked in a battle with several other receivers for one of the final spots. Robinson stood out because of his quickness and speed, evident on the 49-yard catch and run for a touchdown. Robinson, a second-year wideout, has improved a great deal since last summer.
Little winner: WR Brandon Banks had a bad night in the opener, but he reminded everyone how valuable he can be against Chicago by returning a punt 91 yards for a touchdown. It was well-blocked, but Banks scooted through an opening and turned on the speed to the outside. The Redskins have others who can return kicks and punts, but no one as dangerous as Banks. But can they afford to keep a guy who only plays returner? Coach Mike Shanahan said Banks must show he can help at WR. He still hasn’t done that, but does a team that isn’t an offensive power let a weapon like Banks go?
QB controversy: No, not for the starting job but for the backup spot. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to lead a Redskins comeback. He showed poise, a strong arm and quick decision making. But should one fourth quarter of one preseason game be enough to vault him ahead of veteran Rex Grossman (who didn’t play)? It would allow them to keep an extra player at another position. But there’s a lot of value in having a veteran such as Grossman around with two rookies. It’ll take more than this to knock Grossman off.
Offensive issues: The offensive line, with three starters sidelined, had another tough game when it comes to run blocking. It didn’t help that LT Trent Williams wasn’t 100 percent because of his bruised left foot. He had a tough time against Bears end Julius Peppers. C Will Montgomery was moved back too often on the stretch zones. Rookie RG Adam Gettis had a rough night and RT Tyler Polumbus was called for a hold. Griffin didn’t always have a lot of time to throw, but it was the inconsistency in the run game that was also troublesome.
Defensive issues: The Redskins played without ILB London Fletcher, but the problems they had were similar to what they endured in 2011. They allowed big plays thanks to missed tackles. Perry Riley missed a tackle on a touchdown run. DeAngelo Hall missed a tackle on a long catch and run. The Bears had no trouble driving against this defense. Also, the Redskins do not pressure enough with their front four –- another holdover problem from last season.
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or @John_Keim.
