Preseason has started, and Thursday night the Washington Redskins get their first action versus the Tennessee Titans. For most fans, Preseason is hard to watch, for me, it is perhaps the only time you get a glimpse into the future of the franchise.
So, here are a few things to watch:
1st Team Offensive Line - This unit was so underrated last year, when healthy, and I expect to see a great deal of improvement, particularly out of RT Tyler Polumbus. He has to show improvement and has some competition to motivate him.
2nd-3rd Team Offensive Line - There are many fierce battles for the back-up offensive line positions. LeRibeus, Hurt, Compton and Ashworth will compete for the reserve G positions. Ashworth has been pretty horrid. Compton also can play T as well, so that gives him an edge. Pashos, Trueblood, Compton and Nixon are playing to the reserve T spots. I think Compton and Nixon have the edge here, but have a ways to go. Do not rule out Pashos, who is still building strength after a year off.
The Running Game - We have a host of great RBs to watch. We all know Morris is a lock to start, but expect Helu to return to form and push for carries. Royster and Williams will get plenty of action Thursday and will need to make an impact to fend off the rookies. Rookies Jamison and Thompson are also looking to make the 53 man roster. Jamison is healthy and will get the most action Thursday. Thompson is recovering from a knee injury, but has practiced and will likely see some action Thursday.
Receivers - Garcon, Morgan, Hankerson and Moss seem to be a lock for the team, but Moss and Hankerson need to make an impact to hold their ground. Robinson, Briscoe, Henderson, and Stallworth need to preform. Robinson is the most likely to lead this group and has had a good camp. Dawson, Reeves, Williams, and Lewis are all UFAs and all have ability. Dawson leads this group, making many plays in practice, but needs to make plays in preseason to make the 53 man roster.
D-Line - Jenkins and Bowen seem to be lock to start, but Jenkins is suspended the first 4 games and Carraker is expected to be out several months recovering from knee surgery, so watch who makes plays at the backup DE spot. My favorite is Baker, who can play inside as well and has had a good camp. Gholston and Merling need to prove worth as well and have been capable in the past. It would be nice to see a play-maker emerge.
1st Team Pass-Rush - Orakpo and Kerrigan will not get a ton of snaps, but I want to see this tandem make a few plays. These guys need to be the "sack machines" they are capable of.
Reserve LB - Every backup role is up for grabs. Pay attention to who stands out, makes plays/tackles, and stays in position. Jackson, Tapp, Kehl, Muckelroy, Barnett and Jenkins are the are all battling for a roster spot. Talented group...may the best men win.
The Secondary - These guys were put through the ringer last year, with little pass rush to detour opposing passing games. The front office injected a great group of play-makers, including Amerson (DB), Rambo (FS), Thomas (SS). Gomes, Doughty, Pugh are fighting for snaps and also need to perform in preseason to make the 53 man squad. DBs Crawford and Minnifiled are also favorites of mine and have performed well in camp.
Special Teams - Most of the guys battling for reserve roles need to make an impact on Specail Teams. The team needs a return guy (to replace Banks) and a tackle machine (to replace Pro-Bowler Alexander). I expect to see many different faces getting a opportunity to make plays.
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