Seventh-round draft pick Rob Jackson, a defensive end, also made plays in extensive action last week. He will try to build on that performance this week. Watch Jackson against the run in particular.
On offense, rookie tight end Fred Davis showed why the Redskins had him slated as the No. 1 tight end in the 2008 draft. Showing athleticism and solid “run after the catch” ability, Davis stands to continue “re-proving” himself through the preseason. Davis hurt his status with the club by being late to practice during OTAs this spring.
At wide receiver, rookie Devin Thomas may see the field this week. Head coach Jim Zorn has yet to be definitive concerning his exact plans for Thomas, with the team being cautious while Thomas returns from a pulled hamstring.
The lesser known young receivers will see plenty of playing time again this week. That increased playing time could translate into a roster spot for any one of them. Billy McMullen and Maurice Mann look to separate themselves even further from the rest of the group, possibly pushing Anthony Mix out of the picture.
Zorn has spoken so highly of veteran James Thrash, it would be a shock if he does not make the final roster, leaving only one, and the possibility of a sixth, spot left at wide out.
These youngsters will need to convince the coaching staff that carrying a sixth receiver is worth sacrificing depth at another position. Special-teams play will go a long way in accomplishing that goal, so watch each player’s performance on special teams.
Running back Marcus Mason is also making name for himself and looks to convince the staff that a fourth-running back on the roster is the way to go. He has run the ball very well, but, just as with the wide receivers, special teams will be the place for him to make his mark.
All this is well and good, but is there anything to get EXCITED ABOUT THIS WEEK?
Sure there is.
Defensive end Jason Taylor should make his Redskin debut against the Bills, at home no less! It should be fun just to see him on the field in a Redskins uniform, though his reps will likely be limited.
Star running back Clinton Portis is also slated see some action this week. I would guess this is a special request from Zorn. Portis doesn’t want to play in the preseason, but he will when Zorn wants him to.
Zorn has also stated that he may change the quarterback rotation this week. Jason Campbell will start, but the second quarterback to come in could be different this week. Zorn would like to see Brennan in a few specific situations, and will decide which quarterback plays when accordingly.
As we all know, preseason games mean very little when evaluating a team’s future play, but there are opportunities to garner some hints as to the team’s style, discipline, and the coaches’ style and personality. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache called a very conservative game last week, employing a lot of zone coverage and blitzing little.
It will be interesting to see if he changes that this week. Redskins fans have grown to hate zone coverage, as the fact that complaints/concerns over this approach was one of the most “blogged” about issues following last weeks game would suggest.
One of the more intriguing things about the preseason, for me, is watching Zorn and how he handles his players on the sideline, his play calling, and his general demeanor during the game. This week will be no different.
Game on Redskins fans!
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