Redskins vs. Bills: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
Aug. 9, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Washington Redskins center Grant Garner (61) snaps the ball during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The “dress rehearsal” game involves both teams dealing with injuries at the game’s most important position. Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III will not play for Washington, and E.J. Manuel will not play for Buffalo.
Both teams will have to rely on a “next man up” mentality – Rex Grossman will start for the Redskins; Kevin Kolb will start for the Bills.
Here is a complete breakdown of Saturday’s game.
Where: FedEx Field
When: August 24, 2013, 4:30 PM ET
Watch: WRC-TV 4 (NBC – Washington D.C.), WKBW 7 (ABC – Buffalo)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Redskins Player to Watch: Brandon Jenkins
Jul 27, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Brandon Jenkins (57) intercepts the ball during 2013 NFL training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie outside linebacker Brandon Jenkins won’t start this year, but can provide solid depth behind Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo. His name hasn’t been called much this preseason, but that could change against Buffalo.
Keep an eye out for his bull rush and other moves, as he is a pass-rushing specialist. He can be expected to play in the regular season on 3rd down passing situations, or when defensive coordinator Jim Haslett simply wants to dial up the heat.
Bills Player to Watch: Kevin Kolb
Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Kevin Kolb (4) on the sideline during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo defeats Minnesota 20 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
E.J. Manuel is out for the rest of the preseason with an injury, so this is Kolb’s chance to go out and show that he’s the starting quarterback.
This is a dress rehearsal game, so Kolb will play at least two quarters. His adjustment from halftime into the second half will be key in the coach’s decision of choosing a starter.
Matchup to Watch: Redskins Defense vs. C.J. Spiller
Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs the ball during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
C.J. Spiller will challenge the entire Redskins defense, not only the in the run. Safeties and cornerbacks will possibly be responsible for wrapping him up in the passing game, so this involves the entire Redskins defense and not just the front seven.
We saw the Redskins defense miss tackles and take bad angles in the first two preseason games – it will be interesting to observe whether the unit can fix these issues in the most important preseason game.
Prediction
Not many teams have a third-string quarterback who’s started a Super Bowl. Rex Grossman will carry the Redskins to another preseason win. Washington wins in a close game, a game that most closely resembles a regular season game. Redskins 24, Bills 21