Aug 6, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws the ball during afternoon practice as part of the 2013 NFL training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins will not be suiting up when his team takes the field in Tennessee for Week 1 of preseason action against the Titans, but we’ll hear plenty about the superstar quarterback anyway.
RGIII’s backup Kirk Cousins will see the majority of the work and go a long way in telling us just how well the Redskins can play on a consistent basis without their star quarterback.
For Tennessee a serious journey begins for quarterback Jake Locker, who is entering somewhat of a make or break year. Running back Chris Johnson has had a few of those as of late and this season is no different.
Where:Â LP Field, Nashvivlle Tennessee
When: Thursday, Aug. 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Watch:Â Local
Live Stream:Â NFL Game Rewind
Redskins Player to Watch: Kirk CousinsÂ
Aug 6, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) throws the ball as Redskins quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur ( l ) watches during afternoon practice as part of the 2013 NFL training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
As we hinted at, quarterback Kirk Cousins is the main attraction for Washington. The recovery of Brian Orakpo and Fred Davis will be something to watch out for as well, but Cousins holds the keys to sustained success for Washington should RGIII fall to injury again.
Cousins should see most of the time under center until the coaches decide to call on Rex Grossman. Against the Tennessee first-string defense, which has not been all that strong in recent years, Cousins needs to have a big game to at the very least reassure fans there is a nice safety net in place.
Titans Player to Watch:Â Colin McCarthy
Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws under pressure from his own end zone against Tennessee Titans linebackers Colin McCarthy (52) and Zach Brown (55) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
This one is simple. Tennessee has a star linebacker in Colin McCarthy who has missed significant time as of late thanks to injury. Despite still recovering he has been listed as the No. 1 middle linebacker on the depth chart for this preseason matchup.
The Titans need to see how far along McCarthy is in his recovery. Not only that, we need to see how he reacts to serious contact once again as he begins the long process of shaking the rust off.
Matchup to Watch: Redskins Secondary vs. Titans ReceiversÂ
May 31, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright (13) during organized team activities at Baptist Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Don’t look now but the Titans are actually pretty stacked in the wide receiver department. Kenny Britt should be back to full health, Nate Washington continues to be an elite deep threat and second-year receiver Kendall Wright is an absolute stud.
It’s a tough task ahead for the Redskins secondary, especially with the team giving the nod to rookie safety Bacarri Rambo. How will he and the hobbled secondary hold up?
PredictionÂ
May 5, 2013; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins safety Bacarri Rambo (29) intercepts a pass in front of Redskins wide receiver Jason Thompson (18) during rookie minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Starters are not going to play a significant role over the course of this game unless they are young with something to prove like the aforementioned Rambo.
With that in mind, Washington has the deeper roster all around by a long shot. That goes especially true for a team so deep on the offensive side of the ball at the skill positions.
The Redskins take this one.
Washington 24, Tennessee 13
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