Here is what you need to know on this Thursday, the day the Redskins open their preseason in Buffalo and one month to the day before they open the regular season in the Superdome against the Saints.
Come and chat about the game
I’ll be live from Ralph Wilson Stadium with the game chat. We’ll get things started at about 6:30 with a 7:00 kickoff. Check back right here at RealRedskins.com and join in the fun.
What to watch for from RG3
The yellow jersey that said “hands off” in practice comes off and Robert Griffin III will take the first truly live fire of his NFL career. He will be playing behind a patchwork offense line missing three projected starters and will be facing a Bills defense that sacked John Beck 10 times when the Redskins played them in Toronto last season.
It is important for him to get out there and play; the results are not that important. If he can’t move the team and throws an interception, it won’t matter in the long run. By the same token, if Griffin lights it up and goes 8 for 10 for 80 yards and a touchdown there will be no reason to start chiseling a Hall of Fame bust for him.
The outcome is likely to be a mixed bag. In his 12-20 plays he will do something that will make you jump out of your seat and he will do something that will make you slap your forehead. Just watch it, enjoy it, and remember it’s just the very first step in a very long process.
What else to watch for
Since the starters make little more than a cameo appearance the first preseason game is more about who comes in after the first quarter to start making a case to make the roster. The second offensive tackles to come in are likely to be Tom Compton on the left side and Willie Smith on the right. Those two might be competing for one roster spot.
Brandyn Thompson survived the cut to 53 based largely on playmaking ability he showed in preseason games. Can he make his case again or will rookie Richard Crawford make some plays and push Thompson.
It also will be instructive to see who is healthy but doesn’t get into the game. The bench generally gets emptied in this game and anyone who doesn’t get on the field should not sign a long-term lease in Ashburn.
In case you missed it
From a couple of days ago, can the offense survive if Tyler Polumbus starts at right tackle? Also, a look at the kicking battle with perspective from Danny Smith and what you need to know about RG3’s “struggles” in camp.
Days until: Redskins @ Bears 9; RG3 vs. Luck at FedEx Field 16; final cuts 22; Redskins @ Saints 31; home opener vs. Bengals 46
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