Players who must show something vs. New England on Friday:
CB Justin Tryon
With Carlos Rogers sidelined, he will get another chance against starting receivers. In this role vs. Baltimore, he was picked on often. Tryon was better last week, but he also wasn’t targeted. Tryon must prove he can compete against top players; otherwise corner depth is an issue. Though Kevin Barnes played better last week, he still had been up and down in practice until this past week (we no longer can watch all of practice). It’s hard to imagine Barnes playing well enough to supplant Tryon at this point. The Redskins need Tryon to play well.
RB Anthony Alridge
Hasn’t yet played because of a foot sprain, but his speed has the Redskins anxious to see him in a game. He could provide a change-of-pace that the offense lacks. However, before getting hurt, he fumbled way too much in practice. Way too much. Will that continue? But just know that the front office considers him a possible find. That means he’ll have chances.
WR Devin Thomas
Thomas has not shown his explosiveness at receiver, but maybe he will as a kick returner, replacing the injured Rock Cartwright. He was a good kick returner in college. He and Cartwright could make for a good pairing when the season begins. Thomas also needs a good game to keep pace with WR Malcolm Kelly. He needs to be more consistent running routes and understanding his assignments. The need for consistency with techniques, etc., is often mentioned about him. What others say about Kelly mostly surrounds staying healthy. Also, Thomas has mostly showed straight-line speed; to succeed as a receiver you need more explosive bursts and good cuts.
QB Jason Campbell
The coaches need to get Campbell in a rhythm early in the game. He’s probably best getting into a rhythm with short throws and then working downfield. He needs to build momentum. But he must find a way to get the Redskins into the end zone, a recurring theme from 2008. The Redskins need to start rebuilding his confidence. Is it shot? Hard to say. But it wouldn’t be surprising if it’s at least dented. The coaches need to take some heat off him and that can be done with playcalling. Campbell was relaxed and joking with the media after practice Wednesday, but he is getting tired of the criticism being tossed his way. Do not expect him to explode, however. As he told my colleague Rick Snider last week, he wants his teammates to know he’ll always stay calm. He wants them to know that’s how he’ll face tough situations in games as well.
QB Colt Brennan
He’s running more complicated plays than Chase Daniel, but he still needs to prove that he can run them well and make good, quick decisions. He hesitated on his interception last week, not to mention he stared down the receiver, and then took a chance. Brennan could use a strong game. Actually, he needs a strong game because the threat from Daniel is real. Two weeks ago I never would have thought that.
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