For the Washington Redskins, who are heading into the final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, the question marks seem to be piling up.
There was a plethora of optimism entering last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers, but that optimism turned into outright dread in just over seven minutes of football. Head Coach Jim Zorn found himself facing the team’s first loss and his most significant test yet.
With final roster cuts looming (the Redskins made initial cuts early, releasing veteran safety Vernon Fox, defensive end Dorian Smith, and defensive tackle Babatunde Oshinowo on Sunday, and linebacker Matt Sinclair and wide receiver Burl Toler on Monday), the Redskins look to answer some questions this week.
This week’s game will not offer much time for Zorn to correct his team’s offensive woes, but he will have time to complete player evaluations and finalize his roster. There are several key roster decisions to be made.
There are only two starting positions open: punter and defensive tackle, alongside Cornelius Griffin. If last week is any indication, these two decisions will be difficult, but the punting competition seems more critical because one of the two players (veteran Derrick Frost and rookie Durant Brookes) vying for the job WILL be cut, while the loser in the tackle competition (Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery) will remain with the team.
The Redskins are in the midst of a youth movement; one being pushed along by several very hungry rookies and a couple of third and fourth-year players.
The list of players fighting for roster spots and backup positions is a long one. At cornerback, it is still unknown how many defensive backs the Redskins will carry on the active roster, making the backup positions particularly interesting; each of these men could also land on the practice squad.
Fourth-year corner Leigh Torrence played last season and is likely the fourth man off the bench. Rookies Justin Tryon and Matteral Richardson have shown promise, but they also have shown that they have a long way to go to. Second-year player Byron Westbrook has progressed well, but is it enough to make the active roster?
Fourth-year player Leigh Torrence
Rookie Justin Tryon
Rookie Matteral Richardson
Second-year player Byron Westbrook
Second-year player Cedric Holt
At linebacker, the Redskins are being challenged to find quality depth, aside from known quantities H.B. Blades and veteran Khary Campbell, there is little to be excited about. Fourth-year player Alfred Fincher has shown a nose for the ball and has likely earned a spot.
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