Redskins Gameday: Preseason Game 3 vs. Jets

Storylines

1. Handle the blitz » The starting offensive line did a decent job in pass protection last week, but the blitz pickups behind them needed some work. Yes, some linemen got beat on rushes, but some of the issues stemmed from a failure to pick up blitzes. In some cases, the scheme left the quarterback unprotected. To compensate, Casey Rabach and the Redskins’ line must do a better job in their slide protection techniques, buying the quarterback extra time to sprint to a side.

2. Albert’s role » Albert Haynesworth won’t start, but he is expected to get some time with the No. 1 defense in the nickel packages. For the Redskins to have a top pass rush, it’s imperative that Haynesworth plays a role. It will help them disguise defenses, and his presence will free linebackers on blitzes. And after last week, it’ll be interesting to see whether Haynesworth talks after the game. Hint: It’s doubtful.

3. Rex’s turn » Considering that Donovan McNabb has played 16 games only once in the past six seasons (and missed 18 in that stretch), it’s likely Rex Grossman will start at some point this season. Is that a comforting thought? You’ll get a chance to see whether it is Friday night. And maybe it’s a good thing that Grossman gets some time with the first unit. Grossman often makes errant passes under duress.

Five to watch

RB Willie Parker

He’ll get his first start and first chance to prove he can still be an effective back. That hasn’t been noticeable in practice, but it’s hard for running backs to be assessed in that setting. He must pass protect better.

WR Joey Galloway

If he’s going to be the Redskins’ No. 2 receiver, it would be nice if he, you know, actually caught a pass this preseason. Galloway is 38 and coming off two poor seasons. It would be nice to see a sign that he can still contribute.

NT Maake Kemoeatu

He’ll be facing an All-Pro center in Nick Mangold. Kemoeatu still doesn’t seem all the way back after his Achilles injury from last year. Can he hold up against Mangold — and not get shoved back? Thus far, Kemoeatu has been average.

LB Brian Orakpo

One of the best matchups of the night involves Orakpo and LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Orakpo has done a solid job rushing the passer, using his explosive hips to power blockers. But Ferguson is excellent; how will Orakpo fare?

C Casey Rabach

Rabach does not fare well against big nose tackles. So what does he draw this week? A big nose tackle in Kris Jenkins. That’s bad news on straight drop-backs, but if the Redskins slant their line and slide the pocket, Rabach will survive.

State of the teams


JETS » The New York Jets are the most confident team ever coming off a 9-7 season. It helps that QB Mark Sanchez has improved. Also, Jets executives consider LaDainian Tomlinson a big upgrade over Thomas Jones.

REDSKINS » The Redskins are coming off a tough 23-3 loss to Baltimore in which the starting defense looked good but the offense failed to move the ball consistently.

The last word

This is the so-called dress rehearsal, and even if McNabb isn’t playing, the Redskins still need to have a more consistent offensive showing. The games will still count if he misses time during the regular season.

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