Gameday Preview: Tennessee Titans vs Washington Redskins

The defending NFC East champion Washington Redskins will begin their 2013 preseason slate on Thursday when the team faces the Tennessee Titans. Kickoff from LP Field on Thursday is set for 8 p.m. ET.

What to look out for:

Tennessee Titans – QB Jake Locker is heading into his third season of professional football and second as a full-time starter. The Titans have spent most of the off-season building pieces around Locker and forming a solid scheme that best suits his skill-set. With new pieces on the offensive line and the apparent change to a more play-action based offense, Locker could have success. Look out for Locker in the pistol formation and even some hurry-up offense. However, in order for this misdirection offense to succeed, a ground game must be established. With improvements on the offensive line, RB Chris Johnson won’t have many excuses to make for him not being that explosive player he used to be.

Of course, this is preseason and it’s not all about the starters. It will be interesting to see how the receiver position shapes up — as Nate Washington headlines the depth chart across from Kenny Britt. In his second season, former Baylor star Kendall Wright has a lot to prove. He apparently lost weight and could be a major factor coming out of the slot position. The Tennessee Titans also drafted WR Justin Hunter in this past  April’s draft, who is currently listed as the team’s third string receiver. Hunter is a big target who can also make explosive plays, but has been inconsistent in camp according to reports. On the defensive side, the team has to improve. They allowed a franchise record 471 points in 2012. Defensive assistant Gregg Williams, who was the defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins during Joe Gibbs’ part two should help. Williams, of course, is returning from his year out-of-football due to the bounty gate with the New Orleans Saints. Current defensive coordinator Jerry Gray was also once on the Washington Redskins’ coaching staff — serving as the team’s secondary coach. Now reunited again, Gray and Williams are known for their aggressive styles. As long as they do it in a legal fashion, this young Titans defense could have some better days on the horizon.

Washington Redskins: QB Robert Griffin III will not play in preseason. However, the Washington Redskins still have a lot to show as they head into these exhibition games. This is really backup QB Kirk Cousins’ time to shine. It’s his way of adding to his resume and increasing his value around the league. He will be a starter somewhere, one day. These preseason games will be huge for receivers Aldrick Robinson and Leonard Hankerson. Although they play in different receiver spots, they both have aspects of their game that needs to be seen this pre-season. Consistency is key for both players. Don’t be surprised if a “no name” pops up and has a strong pre-season. Guys like Lance Lewis, undrafted rookie Skye Dawson and even vet Dezmon Brisoce — who is still very young — has talent. Of course, all eyes will be on running backs not named Alfred Morris. The team lacked an explosive 3rd down back last season. As long as he stays healthy, it’s pretty much RB Roy Helu’s job to lose. The depth on offensive line will also be monitored. The Washington Redskins managed to stay very healthy in the front five last season. However, young second year players Josh LeRibeus and Adam Gettis must show improvement.

On the defensive side, the Washington Redskins have a lot of potential but a lot to improve on from last season. Getting Brian Orakpo back will benefit that side greatly. But more importantly, the secondary has to surface as a dependable group. Three rookies will get a good look in the secondary against the Tennessee Titans. Free Safety Baccarri Rambo has been seen as a starter seemingly since day two of being in Washington. The team hopes to have a healthy Brandon Meriweather this season, but rookie Phillip Thomas is a guy they’ll depend on a some point. Fortunately they have a consistent veteran in Reed Doughty to lean on. At the cornerback position, second round pick David Amerson will draw a start with DeAngelo Hall recovering from an injury suffered in camp. It is a tough transition from college to professional football, especially in the secondary. However, the team has three guys with football smarts who could all contribute at some point. I’ll also have an eye on the linebacker position with Keenan Robinson out for the season. Rodrick Muckelroy has an opportunity to step up at that mike backer position. The team picked up vet Nick Barnett who could also contribute but is currently behind Will Compton on the depth chart since he’s new to the team.

Players Prepped For Success:

Tennessee Titans - Shonn Greene was an interesting pick-up for the Titans. I don’t think he’ll take Chris Johnson’s job. However, in this game, look for the former Jet to prove himself worthy of a few carries in this offense. He’s especially helpful for short yardage and goal line plays.

Washington Redskins – I’ve been a huge fan of Baccarri Rambo since January. And while I think he will show up greatly in pre-season, the guy I think will have a great game is Roy Helu Jr. He’s finally healthy and is anxious to prove he’s still the same explosive player — if not better.

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