Saturday, 7 p.m.; TV » CSN/NBC 4
Radio » 92.7 & 94.3 FM/730 & 980 AM • Sirius 125
What to watch
1. A real test » In the preseason opener, the Redskins drilled Buffalo 42-17. It wasn’t just a case of the third-stringers pouring it on (think Osaka, Spurrier). However, the Bills were missing three starters on the offensive line and two starting linebackers and have a new coach with a mediocre track record. Baltimore should be a serious contender in the AFC North as well as the conference championship. It’s still only preseason, but this is a good barometer.
2. Handle the blitz » Buffalo did not do much blitzing and certainly wasn’t trying to fool the Redskins’ offense when it did. But Baltimore is known for being more creative and aggressive with blitzes. The Redskins are using a new protection scheme — similar to zone blocking in the running game — designed to handle such tactics. It will give them a chance to see how well they’re doing with this strategy.
3. Happy reunion? » Former Redskins coach Jim Zorn is now the quarterbacks coach in Baltimore. Um, anyone remember that he was the head coach here the past two years? It’s amazing how little his name has come up in training camp, almost as if the players were desperate to move forward. They knew long ago that it wasn’t working, and they’re more than happy with new coach Mike Shanahan. But most players don’t harbor bitterness toward Zorn.
Five to watch
WR Devin Thomas
The receiver is expected to play more with the first unit and must start showing some consistency. Thomas has been too inconsistent with his routes and his hands, but he offers more talent than almost all the other receivers.
RB Larry Johnson
The former star will start in place of Clinton Portis after not playing in the opener. Johnson has been the second most effective back in practice, and his power adds a nice element to the running game.
WR Brandon Banks
After returning a punt for a touchdown in the opener, Banks put himself in good position to win a roster spot. But he’s far from there; he needs to prove he can be a consistent returner and not just a one-time flash.
RB Willie Parker
Like Johnson, he didn’t play in the opener but is expected to see action vs. Baltimore. Parker needs to show speed around the edge, which he once was known for, and that he can help in protection. The latter is questionable.
RT Jammal Brown
Brown missed the opener with a hip injury, but he practiced all week and should be ready. Brown is athletic, but it’s also clear he’s strong and plays with a nasty streak. Will he be playing with a bad hip?
State of the teams
RAVENS » Baltimore’s offensive line is banged up, which could make for an interesting night. The Ravens could be on their third right tackle Saturday. Baltimore opened the preseason with a 17-12 win over Carolina.
REDSKINS » The Redskins are feeling energized, not as much by the preseason-opening win over Buffalo as the fact that they feel fresh following training camp. The Redskins have few injuries and feel indebted to their coach.
The last word
If the Redskins can post another strong game, it would provide more reason for optimism than last week. But Washington has probably prepared more for the preseason games than most teams.
