Ten players to keep an eye on in tonight’s preseason opener vs. Buffalo:
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NT Albert Haynesworth: How will the Bills attack him in the game? Because it’s a preseason opener, the guess is they won’t do much to target him specifically. Still, I’m curious to see if they allow him to penetrate a gap and then hit the other, or go away from him. Nose tackles often are most effective not when they apply a lot of pressure, but when they clog the middle. However, in the Redskins’ defense, Haynesworth likely would play here in obvious pass situations and pressure would be desired.
QB Donovan McNabb: He’s looked inconsistent in camp, for a variety of reasons, but this is his home debut with Washington. He’s only going to play about 15 to 18 snaps, so he won’t show too much. He typically fared well in preseason games with Philly, but he’s still learning the offense and the receivers here. Will he make plays on the run at all? Or will he be content to just get rid of the ball from the pocket?
RB Larry Johnson: I don’t expect Clinton Portis to get a ton of work, so this could be a chance for Johnson to have a big night. Will he have chances vs. Buffalo’s first defense? Hope so, if only to provide an accurate barometer of what he has left.
RB Willie Parker: Can he pass protect? Haven’t seen it in practice. And if he plays vs. the Bills’ second- and third-stringers but doesn’t turn the corner? Bad sign.
NT Maake Kemoeatu: The big fella will key the starting defense, especially vs. the run. Kemoeatu’s goal is not to get pushed back more than to get into the backfield. He just needs to keep the linebackers clean by taking on double teams.
LT Trent Williams: The rookie has played every bit like the No. 4 overall pick should. Last summer, Brian Orakpo, matched against a sore-kneed Chris Samuels, was dominant in camp. This summer, matched against Williams, he’s been quiet. It’s not a coincidence.
RG Artis Hicks: He struggled early in camp and at times gets too high in his stance, allowing himself to get pushed back. The Redskins need the right side to be a lot stronger and if Hicks can’t handle the job they could be in trouble.
WR/PR Brandon Banks: He’ll potentially be the most electric player. But he’ll also be the smallest. Watch out if a Buffalo player gets a clean shot at him. And get ready for a lot of quick starts, stops and direction changes on punt returns. That style drove fans nuts when Antwaan Randle El did it. Banks is nearly a half-second faster; how much will that help?
WR Devin Thomas: The former second-round pick is with the third team for a reason: the coaches aren’t confident in him. But Thomas will have a chance to make an impact on special teams as well. He needs to capitalize.
LB Andre Carter: Does he get to the passer? How fluid is he in coverage? Carter is still adjusting to this position. Considering the importance of the outside linebacker in a 3-4, he must adapt well. He’ll start tonight with Lorenzo Alexander backing him up. Alexander is bigger and should be good vs. the run, but he hasn’t shown a whole lot as a pass rusher.
