In his first game action since being taken in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Preston Smith made noise against the Browns, recording a team-high six tackles along with a sack.
Preston Smith had been waiting for months to finally show what he can do at the professional level, and on Thursday against the Cleveland Browns, he did so at an effective pace.
Check out the top images from the Associated Press of the Washington Redskins' 2015 preseason Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns Aug. 13, 2015, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III stretches before an NFL preseason football game between the Redskins and the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden, left, and Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine talk before an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III throws against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) hands the ball off to running back Alfred Morris during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) is tackled by Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Craig Robertson (53) during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Washington Redskins wide receiver Andre Roberts (12) catches a pass in front of Cleveland Browns cornerback Johnson Bademosi (24) during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins celebrates after scrambling in for a 4-yard touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Washington Redskins' Kai Forbath (2) kicks a 52-yard field goal during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) breaks a tackle from Cleveland Browns cornerback Charles Gaines (43) during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Washington Redskins running back Trey Williams (30) runs past Cleveland Browns linebacker Mike Reilly for a 1-yard touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Washington Redskins wide receiver Rashad Ross (19) can't catch a pass under pressure form Cleveland Browns cornerback Kendall James (37) during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
The linebacker out of Mississippi recorded six tackles (two for loss) along with a sack.
"It felt great out there to get our feet wet, to finally get a first sack in an NFL game especially in a preseason game, my first NFL game," he told the media after the game. "It was a great feeling to go out there and finally string some pass-rush together and get a sack and get home to the quarterback."
During Cleveland's last series of the third quarter on a 1st-and-10 play from the Washington 44-yard line, Smith took down second-year quarterback Connor Shaw for a sack that backed the Browns up seven yards.
While it was the highlight play of the rookie's day, he understands there's still plenty to work on moving forward.
"I wouldn't say I was pleased with some stuff I put on film that I can learn from, work on," he said. "There's always something I can work on to get better to find more success on the field for my pass-rush."
Smith got extended action with both the first-team and second-team with Ryan Kerrigan and Junior Galette both not playing.
While Smith's role in the outside linebacker rotation has yet to be determined, he understands the importance of preseason snaps especially with those guys not in the lineup.
"I feel like with guys out there are more opportunities created for myself, because I can see how well I can handle myself with guys out and with much more playing time," he said. "and how well I carry myself through the other guys and how many reps I can take and put some good film out there."
And whenever he needs guidance, he knows the veterans are willing to help out.
"I'm just looking forward to playing with some great guys who have experience," Smith said.
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