Keys to the game 1 Quarterbacks » Regardless of who starts, both Rex Grossman and John Beck will play with the starting offense. Their competition remains tight after two preseason games. The guess is if it’s even, then Beck will win the job under the guise of the potential to get better with experience. Beck needs to show Thursday how he handles duress in the pocket. That trait concerned some teams before the 2007 draft. Also, will he opt for a night of dumping the ball off again?
2 Red zone issues » The Redskins have made eight trips inside the 20-yard line in two preseason games and have scored just two touchdowns. The coaches say part of the problem is they haven’t game planned for this area; but neither have their opponents. Coach Mike Shanahan also points to missed assignments among other reasons. However, the Redskins also need their wideouts and backs to make plays on their own in this area.
3 The offensive line » Baltimore recorded only 27 sacks in 2010, so a big focus has been turning quarterback hits into sacks. And last week the Ravens had 14 hits and five sacks vs. Kansas City. The Ravens aren’t expected to play their key defensive starters that long, but they will play enough to test Washington’s front. Can the Redskins handle them when they run straight drop-back passes (like in the red zone)? The backs, including rookies Roy Helu and Evan Royster, will be tested in protection.
| Up next |
| Redskins at Ravens |
| When » Thursday, 8 p.m. |
| Where » M&T Bank Stadium, |
| Baltimore |
| TV » NBC, CSN, ESPN |
State of the teams
Redskins
The Redskins aren’t pounding their chests over having the top-ranked offense and defense in the preseason. But they do feel like they’re headed in the right direction. There’s a growing confidence in the locker room.
Ravens
Baltimore’s offense has struggled in the preseason in both the run and the pass. In series led by quarterback Joe Flacco (69.3 passer rating), the Ravens have scored only 13 points in the first two games.
Players to watch
1 Free safety O.J. Atogwe » He missed the first two preseason games with a strained left hamstring but has practiced all week. It’s his first game with the starting defense. He must get used to how the cornerbacks play and when they could use more help. How will his tackling be?
2 Running back Tim Hightower » With Ryan Torain sidelined, Hightower has seized on his opportunities. Torain is a powerful back, but Hightower does more things well, such as blocking and receiving. If he has a big game, Hightower should open the season as the starter.
3 Center Will Montgomery » He has had a mixed two games, showing some mobility but also getting moved back too much for a guy who is said to be one of the strongest players on the team. He’ll be tested by a strong interior, including defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.
4 Left tackle Trent Williams » He was decent vs. the Colts’ Dwight Freeney, save for a couple rushes, but did struggle at other points in the game. Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs provides another chance to face a top rusher. Williams must show improvement.
5 Wide receiver Terrence Austin » The second-year pro has put himself in position to win a roster spot. He runs excellent routes thanks to quick feet and is a good punt returner. The question is: Can Austin be physical enough to help as a blocker?
The Last Word
The third preseason game is the one that matters, right? But teams still aren’t going to show a whole lot of their scheme. Is this a real barometer? Well, in the past 10 years the Redskins are a combined 45-51 with two playoff appearances if they win the third game and 23-41 with no postseason berths if they lose.
