Redskins vs. Bengals preseason game, what to watch for

Headed into the second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Washington Redskins seem to have more questions than answers. While we all know that preseason game results mean nothing, the action within the game can have considerable implications. During game one against the Cleveland Browns, the Redskins showed some flashes of potential, but also showed the weakness of their depth and youth. Read on to see what fans can be on the lookout for during tonight’s game.

  1. The quarterback battle – Colt McCoy has been ruled out of his second straight preseason game as he recovers from last year’s leg injury. Many thought that McCoy may have the inside track on the starting job, but time is running out for him to prove himself. This battle could be turning into a two man race. Case Keenum gets the first shot at it this evening. Keenum’s performance against the Browns could be described as mediocre, at best. Most eyes will be on rookie, Dwayne Haskins, to see if he can show improvement and, more specifically, enough improvement to leapfrog the other quarterbacks on the roster. Haskins’ performance last week was uneven, as the young signal caller showed poise in the pocket and tremendous arm strength. This was all undone, however, with some poor footwork and questionable decision making that lead to two interceptions. The product out of Ohio State did impress with his ability to use his legs to escape pressure and gain positive yardage. While Haskins is not the starter on Thursday night, he figures to get plenty of opportunity to prove that he is past any first game jitters.
  2. The full compliment of receivers – The Redskins have a legitimate receiving battle going on, at the moment with very few, if any certainties. Against the Bengals, fans could potentially witness all of the potential weapons that the team has at receiver. By all accounts, Terry McLaurin has wowed coaches thus far and appears to be pushing Josh Doctson for a starting spot. Trey Quinn has all but locked up the slot position, but had only one catch for eight yards in the first game. Could someone else step in and wrestle that spot from him?
  3. The offensive line – Trent Williams has yet to report and the chances of him doing so are growing more slim by the day. The offensive line is starting to shake out, a bit, even with very few of the projected starters taking a snap last week. Could we see a few drives with a lineup of Donald Penn, Wes Martin, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff and Morgan Moses? If we do, how will they hold up against the Bengals’ front. The battle for the left guard spot seems to be a tight one, as well, with Ereck Flowers listed first on the depth chart, but Martin appearing to charge hard to take the spot from him.
  4. The Jimmy Moreland show – Can Morland repeat the play making ability that he showed last week against the Browns? The seventh round pick, dubbed “The People’s Corner” recorded two forced fumbles and had a clutch batted ball in the first preseason game. There is much hype around Morland right now, but that is a tough act to follow.
  5. The starters – Jay Gruden has been notorious in the past for playing his starters very little in the preseason. That hasn’t necessarily paid off for him as he has collected only one opening game victory. Gruden was criticized by the fans and the media last week for sitting most perceived starters, even those that are from locks to start (or should be.) Will that philosophy change tonight? Could we see multiple drives with the projected starting offenses and defenses on the field? Time will tell.
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Leroy Travers

Follow my coverage of Lacrosse (College and MLL) as well as Georgetown Hoyas Basketball, the Washington Redskins, and most other sports here on the MSB. Living in neighboring Sussex County, Delaware, I have been a huge Maryland Sports fan for almost 40 years. Follow me on Twitter @el_travs, and on Instagram @Letrav.

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