The Washington Redskins are gearing up to face the Detroit Lions in their second preseason game this evening, and there is quite a bit of excitement surrounding their franchise. While they certainly look like a better football team than they were last season, they still have quite a few question marks surrounding them.
Despite all the questions that are surrounding the team, Washington has plenty of time to iron those issues out. They have three more preseason games ahead of them, which is exactly what the Redskins are needing. Head coach Jay Gruden has a much improved roster on paper from last year, and they should definitely take a step forward from the disappointing year that they had last season.
Looking ahead at their game against the Lions, there are quite a few different things that they must get ironed out. This is a very important game for them to say the least, and the Redskins feel that they can accomplish what is needed in order to take the next step as a franchise.
What five things should the Redskins and their fans be on the lookout for during tonight’s game?
1. Can Robert Griffin III Take Another Step Forward?
One of the biggest issues for the Redskins has been the lack of development for their quarterback. He was selected with the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and was expected to be the type of franchise quarterback that the team was needing. That hasn’t happened just yet, but he has been showing signs of improvement so far this offseason and is looking to do so once again against Detroit.
2. Will Kirk Cousins Make the QB Competition More Interesting?
Cousins had a much better performance during the Redskins’ first preseason game than Griffin did, and it made the quarterback competition more intense. Griffin has to come through with a big performance this week if he wants to stay ahead of Cousins, but the former Michigan State star is hoping to narrow the gap even more. It is a key game for the quarterbacks, and it will be interesting to see if Cousins can repeat his success from last week.
3. Is Rashad Ross a Legitimate WR?
One of the biggest surprises for the Redskins last week was wide receiver Rashad Ross, who caught five passes for 68 yards in the game. Teams can never have enough talent at the wide receiver position, and Washington could use one more piece for whoever ends up being their starting quarterback. Ross is looking to prove that he can be that guy, and having back-to-back big games would help him do that.
4. Can Houston Bates Secure His Roster Spot?
Rookie linebacker Houston Bates has legitimate NFL potential, and he showed that during Week 1 of the 2015 preseason. He recorded two sacks and hit the quarterback three times in the game, but still needs to show more to the coaching staff. Bates is an extremely hard worker, and it will be interesting to see how he looks during his second preseason appearance.
5. Who Will Step Up at Tight End?
Niles Paul was expected to be the Redskins’ starting tight end, but suffered a gruesome season-ending ankle injury last week. Now the Redskins are tasked with finding another tight end to step up and fill his shoes. There are a few different options on the roster like Jordan Reed, Logan Paulsen and Ernst Brun are the main contenders to watch, but one of them needs to step up and take the lead to earn the starting gig.
