Tonight the Washington Redskins will take the field for their first preseason game against the New England Patriots. The first team shouldn’t play more than a series, if they even play at all. However this will be a great chance to see how the younger players and fringe roster players have progressed. Here are five things to look for tonight:
-The Redskins have already announced that tackles Trent Williams and Morgan Moses will not play tonight. They have no injury concerns just being precautionary with them. Coach Jay Gruden also stated Chris Thompson won’t play either. Expect Alex Smith and the first offense to play a series. It will be interesting to see is Josh Doctson will play either.
-The running back competition will be front and center tonight. With the exception of Chris Thompson, all of them will have their opportunity to showcase themselves. Look to see who catches passes out of the backfield and who plays on special teams. The recent rumor is Samaje Perine is on the trading block. This makes sense as Perine the second year player and did not quite fit the running scheme last year.
-Linebackers also will be a position to look at. The starters are entrenched however the positions behind them are fluid. Zach Vigil seems to be Mason Foster’s backup calling plays, Josh Harvey-Clemons is the dime linebacker, Martrell Spaight who is usually Zach Brown’s backup started calling plays this week, and Shaun Dion-Hamilton is impressing as well. This will be an interesting group to watch as well.
-The defensive secondary will have their battles as well. Cornerback Danny Johnson and free safety Kenny Ladler have been impressing all camp and look to keep it going tonight. Fish Smithson should be on alert as well as Fabian Moreau for their roster spots. With Adonnis Alexander’s injury, Johnson should have a lot of time to showcase himself.
-The audition for kick and punt returner starts tonight. Jamison Crowder won’t return punts tonight, however others will. Maurice Harris, Trey Quinn, Kapri Bibbs, Byron Marshall, Martez Carter, Greg Stroman, and Danny Johnson will all have chances in the upcoming games to flash as a returner.
