Let’s assume for a second that the NFL lockout will end before July and all the preseason games will be played. If that happens, then this is the Redskins’ preseason schedule (times and dates of three of the games have yet to be determined):
Week 1 (Aug. 11-15): Pittsburgh. The Steelers will play an exhibition game vs. the Redskins for the sixth time since 2000. Pay close attention to the Steelers’ defense; it’s what the Redskins want to become. All they need is another outside linebacker, a nose tackle, another inside linebacker and perhaps a defensive end.
Week 2 (Aug. 18-22): at Indianapolis. Redskins fans will get to see Peyton Manning play a quarter (maybe a little more); in other words it’ll be like a game in late December for the Colts. Maybe a Colt Brennan retrospective will be in order before this game, paying homage to that special night in Canton. Who would have guessed within three years he’d be elsewhere. This will be the first time the Redskins will have played a preseason game in Indianapolis. Assuming, of course, it’s actually played.
Week 3 (Aug. 25): At Baltimore. A nationally televised game in the preseason. Feel the tingles. Maybe we can get more questions asked to the players such as, “Are you rivals with the Ravens?” Let’s hope.
Week 4 (Sept. 1-2): Tampa Bay. This isn’t exactly a soft preseason schedule as the Bucs are the only ones not to have made the 2010 postseason — and they were 10-6. For all we know this might be the only one they actually play, which means what usually is a game where the starters play one quarter could turn into something where they play much more.
For a preseason schedule, it’s very solid. They’ll face excellent quarterbacks each week not to mention good defenses (Indy is suspect). It’s a good test. Now there’s just one question left: Will these games actually be played?
