Hall of Fame Game Preview
by Luke Paul Chandler
It may only be preseason, but football is finally back as the Redskins and Colts go at it tonight in Canton, Ohio.
The annual kickoff to the NFL’s preseason features a solid matchup for two teams who expect to contend in 2008. The Colts, winners of the AFC South last year, are in a division with three teams that made the playoffs in 2007. The Redskins are in the same boat, but come into 2008 with questions surrounding their new additions and new coaching regime. To boot, both teams are facing heavy injuries.
For the Colts, this will be a game heavy on late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents. The Colts have been hit heavily with injuries including All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning’s partner in crime, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, is going to be out due to lingering knee injuries. At linebacker, they only have six healthy bodies because of injuries to projected starters Tyjuan Hagler (pectoral muscle) and Gary Brackett (hip). Outside of injuries, the team also lost second-year defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock, who unexpectedly retired at only 24. All of the roster instability could be an added bonus, as the team will get long looks at their rookies. The Colts are one of the best teams in the league at developing undrafted free agents and late-round picks, so look for end Curtis Johnson, defensive tackle Colin Ferrell, safety Jamie Silva and center Jamey Richard to all get extensive looks.
The Redskins need to take the preseason to get familiar with their retooled offense, but also are fighting injuries. Running a pass-heavy version of the West Coast offense, head coach Jim Zorn has to prominently feature a quarterback coming off of injury, and up to three new pieces in the receiving corps. In general the team’s move away from the high powered deep passing attack of former coordinator Al Saunders will take time, so expect the Redskins offense to look rusty. The team will be without rookie wide receiver Devin Thomas for much of the game, along with quarterback Jason Campbell.
Rookies to Watch
Indianpolis Colts
Philip Wheeler, MLB, Georgia Tech - Wheeler benefits greatly from the linebacker injuries, as he is expected to start on the strong side. Wheeler struggled to play in space at Georgia Tech, but has the physical tools to thrive as a linebacker in Tony Dungy’s defense. Wheeler though is also facing injury concerns, as he’s been held out at times this week with a sore knee.
Marcus Howard, OLB/DE, Georgia - While primarily playing end at Georgia, he has the type of speed rush ability the Colts desire. What remains to be seen is if they will move him to linebacker, like the Colts had previously done with Marcus Washington, who played end at Auburn. Howard is a project right now, but his athleticism is similar to that of Robert Mathis.
Washington Redskins
Kareem Moore, FS, Nicholls State - With starting free safety LaRon Landry out with a hamstring injury, Moore has a shot to not only play a great deal on Sunday, but solidify his roster spot. Moore is relatively new to the game, having only played one year of high school football before landing in JUCO ball. His reaction skills and mental aspect of the game are sharp for someone with little experience, but he is not adept at covering the deep ball.
Curtis Gatewood, OLB, Vanderbilt - While he played end at Vanderbilt, he’s undersized for the position in the NFL. Look for Gatewood to be moved around, much like the Redskins have done with Khary Campbell in the past. Gatewood has good use of hands to shed blockers, and is much stronger than his size would indicate.
Veterans on the Bubble
Indianapolis Colts
Clifton Dawson, RB -The Colts will probably only carry three running backs on the roster to start the season, and Dawson is facing an uphill battle. The Colts added key depth at running back by resigning Dominic Rhodes and drafting Michigan alum Mike Hart. Dawson has good vision and is a nice one cut runner, but he is the least dynamic back on the roster.
Courtney Roby, WR - The third-year wide receiver, formerly of the Titans, is a nice athlete but has struggled to learn the nuances of the receiver position. His best hope is to carve out a niche’ as a deep threat, but his skills don’t fit what the Colts need as a slot receiver. Since Roby isn’t much of a blocker, he will need to shine to make the roster.
Washington Redskins
Antwaan Randle El, WR - Randle El has never quite lived up to his contract, and now he is facing heavy competition from hand-picked rookie receivers Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. Randle El may only survive final roster cuts if the injuries persist.
Rian Wallace, OLB - Wallace is holding down the weak-side linebacker job until Rocky McIntosh’s knee is healthy. He has been a disappointment since leaving Temple early. Wallace has struggled to play instinctively, and now has to play in a more complex offense. He is fighting for a spot on the roster.