This is not your usual "What to watch for" articles, however, it is a prediction of what you will in fact see from the Redskins in their preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.
1. One of the two Quarterbacks will step up and claim the starting job: My prediction is that John Beck will in fact show why the Shanahans believe so strongly in him. The Baltimore defense will be far more aggressive than the Colts were last week, which will force Beck to think quickly and should also afford him the ability to take shots downfield assuming the O-Line can give him enough time. This will show if he is ready to run this team full-time or if he is a game manager and decent backup. It is also possible that Rex can come in and reclaim his starter role if Beck fails miserably. I will, however, stick with my prediction of Beck building on his legend.
2. DeAngelo Hall will get his first INT: To stack on this, I believe the first string defense will get 2 turnovers in this game, and start to show the Redskins fanbase what Jim Haslett's defensive scheme is all about. DeAngelo is the obvious pick to get a pick though, and I don't think he will disappoint. I've loved his aggressiveness from way back at Virginia Tech and I think he'll continue it this year, aided by the upgraded pass rush scenarios up front.
3. Kyle Shanahan will make sure there is more than 1 TD scored: I think the play calling will be a lot more aggressive in the redzone to not only test our QBs, but the team as a whole needs to see that they can get into the endzone and not have to settle for field goals every time they travel 80 yards down the field. I also believe that he's learning the strengths of this team and realizing that between Gaffney, Stallworth and Davis there are some quality redzone targets for our QBs to hit. Watch for Washington to open up and show a little more of their hand offensively.
4. Terrence Austin will secure a roster spot: With Brandon Banks missing another game, Kelly being injured and Hankerson not making coaches sleep easy at night there has been an unexpected bright spot in the Redskins' receiving corps. Terrence Austin is having consistently good punt returns, isn't dropping balls, and on occasion is beating 1st string defensive backs to get open. I think he will get more time with the starters in this game and show coaches he deserves to be on the 53. Bold prediction: 4 catches for 70 yards+.
5. Roy Helu will make people think he should be the starter: Roy Helu has flashed brilliance, but behind Tim Hightower he has looked like an equal or even a slight 2nd. I think he continues to grow, while Tim Hightower (Apologies to @BurgundyBlog) may have plateaued since we all know of his lingering fumble issues. Both are dynamite out of the backfield, and are picking up blitzes like Clinton Portis of old. I see 1 or 2 big gainers tomorrow for Helu that will have message boards lighting up with his name.
I will guarantee here and now that I am correct on AT LEAST 3 of these predictions. If I'm not, come call me out on it and I'll give you a shoutout via twitter. (Eventually that will mean something).
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