Redskins vs Steelers Preview

Redskins QBs from left: John Beck, Kellen Clemens, Rex Grossman

It's opening night for the Redskins in preseason. Their first opponent is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kickoff tonight will be at 7:30 at Fedex Field.

The theme for tonight's game for the Redskins is going to be quarterback. Expect Rex Grossman to take most of the snaps that the first team will take tonight. John Beck is still healing from a groin injury he suffered last Saturday at practice. Beck, however, is expected to some snaps. Look for Grossman and Beck to take most of the snaps in the first half and look for Kellen Clemens and Ben Chappell to take over in the second half.

The squad of running backs that the Redskins have lined up is, well, interesting. Tonight Ryan Torrain, Keiland Williams, and Tim Hightower will be featured in the first half. To me, only Hightower has an opportunity to be effective for the Redskins. The running backs that I want to see are playing in the second half. Evan Royster and Roy Helu can become two outstanding running backs for the Redskins. Look for Helu to really take advantage of his snaps tonight. He's fast and shifty and can really run with the football.

The offensive line should be a blast to watch. With the release of center Casey Rabach the Redskins have lost their main man on the offensive line. The battle for just about every position on the o-line will be on tonight. Trent Williams is the only one who really has his spot locked up at left tackle.

The defensive line should be an area of note to watch. With the exit of Albert Haynesworth the line will take on a whole new athleticism with the addition of Barry Cofield. Also look for Adam Carriker to see some reps at nose tackle as well as Cofield. The rest of the Redskins defense looks solid except for safety as Laron Landry and Kareem Moore will not play as they are on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Also, keep an eye on O.J. Atogwe at cornerback. He has had a great camp and expects to perform very well for the Redskins.

All eyes will be on the offense tonight to see who will step up at quarterback. Keep in mind that John Beck is still healing from a groin injury and therefore his reps, and the plays he runs, will be limited. Also, don't expect to see Chris Cooley as he will be resting an injured knee.