Redskins versus Browns preseason, five things to watch for
It is almost that time, America! Over the course of the next month, the country will awaken from its dreaded football hibernation. Tonight, the Washington Redskins look to begin the long road to proving critics and experts wrong as they face the suddenly popular Cleveland Browns in the first game of the preseason for both teams. The Redskins have had their typical drama-filled offseason and can go a long way over the next four weeks in easing the minds of fans and closing the mouths of critics.
As we all know, the preseason typically means little and that is especially true of the first preseason game. The Redskins have already announced that Colt McCoy, the quarterback at the top of the team’s depth chart, will not play Thursday night. It is also unlikely that Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice and Montez Sweat will play. There are, however, several storylines that fans can keep an eye on throughout the game.
- The quarterback battle – Case Keenum and Dwayne Haskins will look to impress throughout the preseason as they jockey with Colt McCoy for position on the depth chart. The Browns are solid on defense, even with backups and could put up some resistance in the passing game. While the passing offense will likely be safe and bland, there may be some telling signs throughout the evening. Both quarterbacks are new to Jay Gruden’s offense. It will be interesting to see if either of them are beginning to get a good grasp on the playbook and command of the offense. Telling signs will include procedure penalties, miscommunication routes and lack of ball security.
- The left side of the offensive line – The saga of Trent Williams has consumed much of the news during training camp. The question that the Redskins need to answer is, how much of an effect will the absence of Trent Williams have on the offense? Veteran Donald Penn and the much younger Geron Christian should both see time at left tackle. The team will also need to see what they have at left guard as veteran Erek Flowers tries to hold off rookie Wes Martin for the starting spot. If these two positions are not locked up, the left side of the line will go from an area of strength for the team to a liability.
- The wide receiver log jam – The Redskins have a plethora of wide receivers attempting to make the team and find themselves in the starting lineup. While the receiving corps is long on talent and potential, it is lacking in production. Rookies Kelvin Harmon and Terry McLaurin are hoping to make an immediate impact. McLaurin, in particular, has impressed, thus far in camp. A pair of second year receivers, Cam Sims and Trey Quinn, flashed tons of potential last season, but both battled injuries that limited their production. Both players are back and healthy and look to be a force for the team in the passing game. The veteran receivers on the team, Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson, will need to impress to keep their starting spots on the offense. Doctson, entering his contract year, is the most likely to be pressed for paying time if the youngsters produce and he continues to struggle.
- The fourth running back spot – The Redskins are loaded with talent at the running back position with future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson and second year man Derrius Guice looking to share carries, at least initially. Passing down back Chris Thompson is extremely dangerous and versatile when healthy. The fourth running back could potential see carries throughout the year given the age and injury history of others in the backfield. Samaje Perine continues to receive praise from Gruden and appears to be in the drivers seat for the spot. However, Byron Marshall and rookie Craig Reynolds are not likely to give the position up very easily. Another highly touted rookie, former unanimous All-American Bryce Love, is also waiting in the wings, though he is likely to miss, at least, the first six weeks of the season.
- The special teams – For anyone on the fringe of the roster, proving that they can play on special teams during the preseason could be the difference in being cut and making the team. We will also keep an eye on the accuracy of Dustin Hopkins and look to see if anyone emerges as a standout punt returner.
