Redskins vs. Falcons preseason game: what to watch for

The Washington Redskins travel south this evening to take on the potent offense of the Atlanta Falcons in what has become known around the league as the “dress rehearsal game”. The third game of the preseason typically sees starters playing at least a half and sometimes into the third quarter for most teams. What should Redskins fans be on the lookout for this evening?

• The quarterback time-share – Reports have surfaced that Jay Gruden intends to enter the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles with Case Keenum as his starter. It is important to note that neither Gruden nor the Redskins has made an official statement on the subject. It will be interesting to see, not only who starts tonight, but who gets the most time with the starters. Could we see Keenum with the starters in quarter one and Haskins in quarter two? This would indicate that the position may be up for grabs and the job could go to the player that performs tonight. If either quarterback plays the entire time that the other starters are in the game, that would strongly indicate who the starter will be against the Eagles.

• The running game – Tonight will basically be the first time we get to see the two headed monster of Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson at full force (potentially three-headed dependent upon Chris Thompson’s status). Will we see a time split? Will there stats be significantly different behind the same line? Might we see them both on the field at the same time? Will one or the other take the short yardage? Will they both emerge healthy? All of these questions may get answered in Atlanta.
• The wide receivers – The Redskins are loaded with potentials and maybes at wide receiver. There will need to be some cuts as the team figures to carry seven receivers on the 53 man roster. Paul Richardson and Trey Quinn are already ruled out for tonight, and are locks to make the team. We figure to see a healthy dose of Cam Sims, Terry McLaurin and Kelvin Harmon all evening, though all three are locks. That presumably leaves Robert Davis, Brian Quick, Steven Sims Jr. , and Josh Doctson (yes, the former first round pick) to battle for the last two receiver spots. Reports have surfaced this week that the Redskins have been trying to trade the once promising receiver, but have had no luck. Doctson has been all but invisible this preseason, not a good sign given that he is entering his contract year. The number of snaps dispersed among the four receivers during the first two to three quarters will give us a good idea of who will likely be with the team on week one.

• The defense – The starting defensive unite looked very good in limited time last week. How will they hold up against a very good offense in an extended period? It will be interesting to see if preseason all-star Jimmy Moreland plays a majority of snaps with the first team defense.
• The special teams – The special teams unit has been downright awful throughout the first two preseason games. Can they step up against Atlanta and put together a solid performance?

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