Things to Watch in Redskins’ Preseason Opener

Here’s what I’m looking for in the Redskins Preseason Opener:

1- There is not much to see in the first preseason game from the starters usually.  Maybe a series or so depending on how things play out.  But would like to see how Griffin looks compared to last season’s debacle.

Watching him drop back and just look confident in the pocket will go a long way to build my confidence that he can be back to 2012 form.  It would be nice for him to hit DeSean Jackson on something early to show that they can quickly get on the same page.  But if not, then hopefully in preseason weeks 2 and 3 then.  Although I don’t expect to see much of anything this week a solid opening drive would start the new Gruden offense off right.

2-  All I have heard the past few days is about the emergence of David Amerson in year two compared to last season.

As I discussed before the Redskins and their coaches are very good at talking up their schemes and talent so I need to see it on the field.  Remember when Haslett called Cofield the league’s best nose tackle yet they will tell you they haven’t had the talent to succeed?  Amerson becoming a legit starting corner can change this whole defense especially with the continued huge question marks at safety.  Even with the addition of a guy like Ryan Clark coming back no one can be confident in what Washington is going to put out there at safety to start.

3- I think the most exciting part of the these games if you do stay up for the second half are the guys at the running back and wide receiver positions.

We know Alfred Morris won’t need much work and Roy Helu probably doesn’t either.  So watching guys like Chris Thompson and Lache Seastrunk try to break off big runs could be the best thing you got going. Either or both of these guys could be factors this season so everyone should have them on their radar.  As for the receivers in camp the additions of DeSean and Andre Roberts have bolstered the talent on the roster and have left spots tough to come by.  Ryan Grant has been talked about a lot so far so it will interesting to see if he can move past guys like Aldrick Robinson or even Santana Moss.

4-      Finally, the Special Teams!

I will want to see these guys in action.  And check out and see if they can get a return past the 25 or a punt return of more than 5 yards.  Not sure if the normal coverage teams will get a lot of action but if they do it will be a major focus this preseason.

The Redskins will have a new punter thisseason so that could be an adventure.  And the kicker battle is one to watch also.  Honestly I thought Kai Forbath has been pretty good as the Skins kicker.  Great in 2012 and OK in a lost 2013 season so I was kind of surprised they used a draft pick on Zach Hocker.  Kickoffs will most likely also play a huge role in who wins the job.  Hopefully the Redskins offense can move the ball the next 4 weeks and give both some shots in real games.