Washington Redskins' Preseason Positional Battles, Part One

Nehemiah Broughton is the only other fullback listed on the training-camp roster, so the question is: Will they even keep a backup fullback? Broughton will need a strong showing on special teams to prove he is worth keeping.

The punting competition is another key for the Redskins. I am including the punters today because a good punter can be as much an offensive weapon as a defensive weapon.

Field position is key for any offense, just as it is for the defense. Rookie Durant Brooks is trying to supplant veteran Derrick Frost. According to head coach Jim Zorn and special-teams coach Danny Smith, they have been even to this point.

So the time to separate from each is going to be their in-game performance.

Smith has often said that Frost’s problem is not kicking the ball, but doing it consistently. His hang time is mediocre at best, and Smith is looking for one of these two to stand out with four seconds or more of consistent hang time.

Special teams will be key for every player vying for a backup spot, but several players will be a step behind if they can’t get healthy enough to get on the field during the preseason. There will be a lot of opportunities for these players to get on the field, as the starters will see very limited action this week, if any at all.

Head coach Jim Zorn has said that Jason Campbell will ONLY play when the starting offensive line is in the game, so they will likely see only one or two series this week as the projected starters are still getting into game shape. This is a great opportunity for the young offensive linemen to make a name for themselves.

The wideouts need to make plays on special teams as well as on offense in order to be noticed by coaches. So print out the rosters and take notes, 'Skins fans. While the names may not be familiar, they will be key to the upcoming season.

Part 2 where we look at the defense, can be read here.

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