» The Redskins won’t give Jon Jansen his right tackle job back unless Stephon Heyer struggles or gets hurt. Heyer had best hope he does not repeat his preseason opening performance vs. the Colts when he nearly allowed three sacks in one-on-one blocking, though that came on the left side. He will be tested by New York’s Justin Tuck, but, like last year, he probably won’t be left in many solo pass-blocking assignments. As for Jansen, the coaches believed that his bruised left foot has prevented him from holding his ground.
» The Redskins run defense is a concern. Having two small ends and one questionable tackle — Kedric Golston too often gets shoved out of the way and Anthony Montgomery is inconsistent — makes for potential struggles on the ground. If they lose the battles on first down, their supposedly improved pass rush will suffer.
Recommended Stories
» With five starters at least 30 years old, and two others who are 29, the Redskins’ defense either will have one last hurrah or take a big stumble. There’s no doubt they’ll have to inject more youth in certain areas next season. But do they have enough — and can the older guys stay healthy enough — to again be a top-10 defense?
» Despite keeping all 10 draft picks, the Redskins might only receive contributions from one of them in the season opener — punter Durant Brooks. The rest either are hurt or unprepared to play. And it doesn’t appear that any will become more than backups anytime soon.
PLAYER TO WATCH » Jason Taylor, defensive end
Taylor, still sidelined with a sprained right knee, will still be a game-time decision. He was able to do some running in between practices Monday, though he wasn’t able to go full speed. If Taylor can’t play, then he’ll be replaced by Demetric Evans, who has made 12 career starts.
QB WATCH » Jason Campbell
If Campbell wants proof what a quarterback can accomplish in his fourth year, he’ll only need to look across the field Thursday night. New York’s Eli Manning won a Super Bowl to cap his fourth season. Like Campbell, Manning’s first three years produced flashes mixed with growing pains. But Campbell will only be making his 21st career start Thursday. However, both had a passer rating of 77 in their third season. And, in fact, Manning’s rating of 73.9 last year was his worst since his rookie year
