Washington Redskins vs. Indianapolis Colts: Preseason Matchup Preview

Here we see two teams that are on the brink of catastrophe, unless the back-ups prove to be better than advertised.

Washington is a rebuilding state, while Indianapolis continues to battle injuries.

And unless some guys answer the call and perform above expectations, it could be a long season for these two storied franchises.

Nonetheless, that's why they play the games.

So, here is a preview of the Redskins-Colts preseason match-up.

Game Information

When: Friday, August 19, 2011

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM

TV: Comcast SporstNET Washington, WNDY4 Indianapolis, NFL Network Replay on Sunday

Radio: Sirius XM 93 and 134, ESPN 980 Indianapolis

Washington Redskins: Offseason Changes

Key Acquisitions: DE Ryan Kerrigan via NFL Draft, RB Tim Hightower, WR Jabar Gaffney, WR Donte Stallworth

Key Re-Signings: QB Rex Grossman, DB Byron Westbrook

Key Departures: RB Clinton Portis, DL Vonnie Holiday

Indianapolis Colts: Offseason Changes

Key Acquisitions: OL Anthony Castonzo via NFL Draft, DT Drake Nevis via NFL Draft, DT Tommie Harris

Key Re-Signings: QB Peyton Manning, S Melvin Bullitt, K Adam Vinatieri 

Key Departures: S Bob Sanders

Redskins: Last Week

2011 NFL Preseason Week 1

Washington Redskins 16 Pittsburgh Steelers 7

Notable Offensive Stats

Rex Grossman: 19-for-26 for 207 yards, TD

Evan Royster: 15 carries for 66 yards

Tim Hightower: 10 carries for 44 yards

Santana Moss: 7 receptions for 64 yards, TD

Defense

DB Kevin Barnes: 5 tackles, 1 sack

DL Ryan Kerrigan: 3 tackles

Colts: Last Week

2011 NFL Preseason Week 1

St. Louis Rams 33 Indianapolis Colts 10

Notable Offensive Stats

Dan Orlovsky: 4-for-10 for 11 yards, TD, 2 INT

Curtis Painter: 3-for-6 for 55 yards, INT

Darren Evans: 8 carries for 52 yards

Taj Smith: 1 reception for 44 yards, TD

Mike McNeill: 3 receptions for 33 yards

Defense

LB Kerry Neal: 6 tackles

LB Phillip Wheeler: 6 tackles

DB Kevin Thomas: 5 tackles

What to Watch For: Rex Grossman's Production

With John Beck currently sidelined with an injury, Rex Grossman's only competition comes from Kellen Clemons.

Translation: Grossman has no competition.

In addition, he did perform very well in the first preseason game.

That said, he's done this before in his career, but then faltered thereafter.

It'll be interesting to see if he can maintain a solid level of play, otherwise Beck may get the call when healthy.

Grossman may be on a short leash, but he did buy himself some time with his results against Pittsburgh.

What to Watch For: Curtis Painter's Progression

Ever since Jim Sorgi got hurt and the Colts released him, we wondered if Indianapolis would ever get another solid backup QB.

Well, right now that man is Curtis Painter, despite his lack of performance against the Rams last week.

With Peyton Manning on the PUP list, he'll most likely miss the entire preseason.

So, that just means more snaps for the back-ups.

Time to get busy and do work, because although its a fight for the back-up spot, Manning is 35 years old and is coming off another neck surgery.

Painter is the man right now, but it's not set in stone.

And we all know how vital it is to have a solid back-up QB in the NFL.

Position Battle: Redskins' RBs

Well, after the Washington Redskins decided to not bring back RB Clinton Portis, it left the starting role open for 2011.

Last season it was Ryan Torain, who's back, and they acquired Tim Hightower who was with Arizona in 2010.

It's going to be between these two, as they have the most experience amongst the 'Skins' RBs.

So, if you're a Washington fan, keep an eye on how the ground game works as this is who Mike Shanahan got you for 2011.

Position Battle: Colts' WRs

Hasn't it seemed like all of them have been injured or hurt for the past four years?

In any event, the Colts have Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Anthony Gonzalez and Austin Collie as their WRs.

They definitely need the work, as getting timing with the back-ups is important because you never know when injuries can occur.

That being said, it's pretty much whoever stays healthy at this point to determine their Week 1 starters.

Nonetheless, this core plays an evident role in Indy getting back to the playoffs once again.

Their preseason production is very crucial.

Player to Watch: Ryan Kerrigan

He was a ridiculous defensive force for the Purdue Boilermakers in college and adds a lot of talent to the Redskins' defense.

With Brian Orakpo opposite of him and London Fletcher in the middle, Washington could turn some heads this season with their defensive front.

Kerrigan has a lot of potential and is expected to perform at a high level this year, despite only being a rookie.

And for Washington to have success this season, he must be en route to a Pro Bowl/Rookie of the Year honor.

Prediction

Peyton Manning is out and who knows what all will happen with Indy's WRs.

Washington appears to be playing their starters a lot this preseason, but they do need the work.

In addition, getting that timing down is a must, so plan on the Redskins taking this one, since the Colts are somewhat in a bind.

Redskins 24 Colts 14