Redskins Gameday: Preseason Game 1 vs. Bills

What to watch

1. Mike Shanahan, Donovan McNabb debut » The Redskins have one of the best quarterback/coach combinations in the NFC East — on paper, that is. Friday night is the first unveiling of what it will look like with this pairing. Don’t expect a whole lot; McNabb and most of the first-team offense will play only 15 to 18 snaps. Still, it’s a first chance to see the Eagles legend in a Redskins uniform. And to see a Broncos coaching legend on the Redskins’ sideline.

2. Albert Haynesworth plays nose » In case you missed it, Haynesworth needed 10 days to pass the conditioning test thanks to, well, a lot of things. But now we turn to another saga: his ability to play nose tackle in the new 3-4 defense. Haynesworth will move all around the line, but he’ll open as the No. 2 nose tackle. During practice, he would look disruptive on one play and then disappear for a couple more. In other words, a lot like last season.

3. Which backs will emerge? » So far, Clinton Portis is clearly the No. 1 back followed by Larry Johnson and Ryan Torain. Willie Parker hasn’t done much in camp to break into that group. But it’ll be interesting to see how they divide the carries. Johnson has run hard in practice, and Portis looks a little spry. Parker has a lot to prove; can he still turn the corner?

Five to watch

NT Maake Kemoeatu

The big fella will key the starting defense, especially vs. the run. Kemoeatu’s goal is not to get pushed back rather 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 a 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 has 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.

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.

State of the teams


BILLS » Buffalo has a new coach in Chan Gailey (after Shanahan spurned it). The Bills’ biggest problem? The lack of a solid quarterback with Trent Edwards as the starter. However, we anxiously await RB C.J. Spiller’s debut.

REDSKINS » Washington will unveil a new everything, from coaching staff to offense and defense. The Redskins will be an aggressive team this season but don’t look for them to show a whole lot in a preseason opener.

The last word

Don’t get sucked into the results. Don’t forget, Steve Spurrier’s debut in Osaka, Japan, had everyone a bit revved. Wrongly, we might add. Shanahan and McNabb are proven commodities; a preseason opener won’t determine much of anything.

[email protected]