Cam Sims was always considered a talented player. Although his opportunities were limited, he showed flashes of a playmaker at Alabama. Well, in the NFL preseason those flashes are becoming more evident. The Washington Redskins faced off against the New York Jets on ESPN Monday Night Football and there was plenty involvement from ex-Tide stars.
Former Alabama nose tackle Da’Ron Payne made his preseason debut for Washington and made his presence felt quickly. He recorded 1 tackle, which was a sack on fellow first round pick Sam Darnold. Payne displayed excellent pass rush moves and elite closing speed to sack the quarterback. Something tells me that he’s going to impact that Washington front seven in a big way. It showed tonight, as he was able to eat up blockers all game.
Daron Payne's first sack with the #Redskins. Working vs RG, catches him lunging, clubs inside and chases down Darnold for the sack pic.twitter.com/UBGPFK4qjx
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 17, 2018
Defensive end Jonathan Allen looked like a grown man tonight and finished with three tackles. The Redskins must be excited about the future he brings as a dominant edge setter in that 3-4 defense Washington runs. Allen will be a load this season with this type of play:
Like how Jonathan Allen attacks the tackle on this twist: pic.twitter.com/FqApTPCCZP
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) August 17, 2018
The previously mentioned Sims was phenomenal on Monday night, hauling in 3 receptions for 57 yards. His 20-yard reception set up the game winning field goal for Washington with seconds left. He also had a touchdown that was called back due to an unfortunate penalty. In two preseason games, Sims has 5 receptions for 129 yards. Sims plays above the rim like a small forward. He’s proving that he could be an asset to the Redskins with his ability to win 50/50 balls. NFL teams may regret not spending a draft pick on the ex-Tide receiver.
If Cam Sims keeps this up, he might just make this #Redskins team. Big catch late in the 4th Q to set up the game winning FG, fantastic adjustment to the ball in the air pic.twitter.com/lyxDm6diF7
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 17, 2018
Ex-Tide Linebacker Ryan Anderson finished with two tackles on the night. Despite limited stats, he has played better than numbers indicate. He’s trying to bounce back after a disappointing rookie season in Washington. He was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Good look for #Redskins defensive front here. Allen, Payne clog up the middle, Ryan Anderson attacks the edge and forces RB to cut inside with no room to work. pic.twitter.com/tlMDy4Evlc
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 17, 2018
Jets receiver Ar’Darius Stewart had 1 reception for 17 yards. He played special teams snaps as well and that may be his only route to make the team. Reason being, the Jets have improved depth at receiver this year.
James Carpenter started for the Jets at guard and was a captain.
