Keys to the game 1. Offensive line » You may have read that the unit struggled last season. And you may have noticed that the linemen are confident about their improvement. They will be tested, at least for a little while, against Pittsburgh’s defense Friday night. The Steelers have a fantastic front seven, so this is a great way to show whether they have improved. The Redskins allowed too much penetration on their stretch zone running plays in 2010; will that continue?
2. Blitz pickups » The running backs, particularly the rookies, must show they can handle a blitz. Roy Helu struggled mightily in a blitz pickup drill Tuesday — he kept dropping his head — while fellow rookie Evan Royster did not. It’s simple: If they don’t pick up the blitz, it will be tough to play. Tim Hightower will start at running back and does well in this area. He just needs to hold on to the ball.
3. Kicking game » Yes, it matters what Graham Gano and Shayne Graham do in the game. They will alternate kicks; Gano must show consistency, while Graham needs to prove some of those ugly kicks in camp won’t follow him to game day. However, it’s also about the return game. The Redskins will see whether others can handle the kick return duties should they cut Brandon Banks. So watch how Niles Paul among others fare in this area.
| Up next |
| Steelers at Redskins |
| Preseason |
| When » Friday, 7:30 p.m. |
| Where » FedEx Field |
| TV » NBC, CSN |
Five to watch
1. Quarterback Rex Grossman » He’ll start and might play up to two quarters, providing numerous chances to open strong. Grossman has been inconsistent in camp, and he does not move as well as John Beck. Grossman throws well over the middle, but can he hurt teams outside the hash marks?
2. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan » He has a long way to go to become a full-time starter. Kerrigan is still thinking too much, making him play slower. He’s also not yet comfortable as a rusher, relearning how to rush from a two-point stance. Will he stay low enough?
3. Defensive end Jarvis Jenkins » The rookie second-round pick has looked terrific in camp, showing good power for a guy whose strength was knocked at the combine. Jenkins also has a quick first step, which has allowed him to get penetration vs. the Redskins’ linemen in practice.
4. Fullback Darrel Young » The converted linebacker is getting a terrific chance to be the starting fullback this season. He’s the reason Mike Sellers is at tight end. He plays violently, a good sign for a fullback. But he’ll also need to show soft hands out of the backfield.
5. Nose tackle Barry Cofield » He fills a major position of need, and though he might not always make big plays, he has allowed the inside linebackers to move freely to the ball much of camp. Now he must show it during a game.
State of the teams
Despite Rex Grossman’s optimism, the Redskins are in a rebuilding situation. They have turned over the roster and are trying to mesh a number of new parts. That typically leads to major mood swings and a rough go early. Pittsburgh is coming off another Super Bowl appearance and did not need to add many new parts. The Steelers won’t have to play their starters much more than a couple series, unlike the Redskins.
The last word
This showing matters more to Washington than Pittsburgh simply because the Redskins have added more parts. They also must gain momentum by showing how they have changed, whether it’s a stout run defense or a more consistent offense.
