Five Things to Watch This Thursday

The Washington Redskins look to continue their surprising preseason success this Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens.

While the results of the games count for nothing (as ESPN constantly reminds us), the common assertion that the "preseason doesn't matter" is not true by any means. Preseason results are important for building team morale, developing team chemistry and settling important position battles with game experience.

Here are the five most important things to watch with regards to the Redskins' third preseason game this week.

Tim Hightower and Roy Helu, Jr.

The Redskins' acquisitions at running back have looked like strokes of brilliance thus far.

Tim Hightower has 16 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown in the Redskins first two preseason games. Roy Helu Jr. has 22 carries for 129 yards.

Both backs look like good fits for Mike Shanahan's "one cut" system, and each showcased a 50-plus yard run in the last game against the Colts.

In today's hard-hitting football world, you can never have enough running backs. Once Ryan Torain returns from injury, the Redskins backfield could be nicely stacked.

The Baltimore Ravens have a solid defense, and both running backs should be plenty motivated with the high level of play each has displayed. This game will be another important test for the young tailback tandem and possibly a deciding factor for regular season playing time.

Graham Gano's Kicking

Things have really fallen in to place for kicker Graham Gano this preseason. His potential challenger, Shayne Graham, was miserable in the opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and was subsequently let go. I'm not sure this was a good move for the Washington Redskins.

They cut the third-most accurate kicker in NFL history, and a guy who just went 12-for-12 a year ago for the New England Patriots, because he stumbled in a preseason game after less than a week's practice. Now, that same spurned kicker is playing for the Redskins arch-rival Dallas Cowboys.

While everyone has been talking up Gano's solid performance so far, I'm not sold yet. He has made all six field goals, but only one of those was longer than 34 yards.

The signing of kicker Clint Stitser and word from camp has indicated that Redskins coaches are not completely confident in Gano.

Washington fans should keep a close eye on Gano throughout the preseason. He was the least-accurate kicker in the league last year and has shown that he struggles in pressure situations. Unfortunately, the preseason won't present any pressure situations to test him.

But if he continues to kick well, perhaps he'll get the confidence boost needed to jump start a more successful second season.

Oshiomogho Atogwe, Josh Wilson and London Fletcher's Return

The Washington Redskins defense has looked great so far and should finally be close to full strength for this Thursday's game.

Oshiomogho Atogwe, Josh Wilson and London Fletcher all returned to practice this week. While it was nice for some of the backups to get experience, it's more important to get the starting defense playing time together.

Fletcher is obviously a rock at linebacker, but it'll be nice to see the new guys, Atogwe and Wilson (especially after his struggles against Pittsburgh).

LaRon Landry is still out, but other than that, the rest of the defense should be intact. Chemistry is unbelievably important for a defense, and the Redskins are starting several new players this year. Hopefully we'll see the Redskins unit mesh well against Joe Flacco and the Ravens.

Trent Williams and the Offensive Line

Line play is an overlooked key to success in the National Football League and is one of the major concerns for the Washington Redskins this season.

Will Montgomery has permanently moved to center after Casey Rabach was cut, and new right guard Chris Chester was picked up from the Baltimore Ravens (ironically).

Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme requires a good rapport along the line and solid play at each position.

Even with a player adjusting to a position switch and a recent addition getting settled, the weak link appears again to be left tackle Trent Williams. Williams struggled often in his rookie season,and was treated like a turnstile by Indianapolis Colt Dwight Freeney last week.

With the top-tier pass rushers he will be facing all season in the NFC East, Williams needs to get into a groove fast. There's no doubt he has talent; he just needs to display it on a regular basis. The Ravens' fast defense will offer him another chance to show he's ready to play.

John Beck Trying to Lock Up the QB Spot

Rex Grossman upped the ante with his excellent performance (19-26 for 207 yards and one touchdown) against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Washington Redskins' first preseason game. Last week, John Beck responded impressively.

Against a pretty solid Indianapolis Colts' defense, Beck was 14-17 for 140 yards. Perhaps the most striking feature of his play was his decision-making. He moved through his progressions, showed off that quick release and threw the ball away when necessary.

This Thursday's game features another chance for Beck to showcase his ability to lead the Redskins and possibly lock up the starting job for good.

Washington will be facing another solid team in the Baltimore Ravens. As the starter (though he has not yet gotten the nod), Beck will be facing their first-team defense, and we can therefore just about take his numbers at face value.

If Beck falters, than Grossman's quality of play will be important to watch. The quarterback situation is the No. 1 thing to watch for any Redskins fan right now, as Mike Shanahan has made it clear that the decision is still up in the air.