1. John Beck will start week 1: Yes, statistically Rex Grossman had the better game, but he did not do enough to separate himself from Beck. Beck still had a TD pass, was consistent in his short and intermediate passes and showed the ability to throw a decent long ball. The best quote I've heard all day was from Mark Schlereth on Mike and Mike in the Morning saying "Mike Shanahan put his reputation on John Beck, and Mike Shanahan really likes to be right". I think Beck will surely have the starting job to start the season and I just hope he is given enough slack to make a few mistakes.
2. Terrence Austin made this roster: I don't want to say I know everything, but I predicted Austin would have 4 catches for 70 yards and he ended up with 5 receptions for 71 yards. I'd say that's pretty darn close. He has shown enough that he can't be hidden on the practice squad, and with Banks still uncertain you have to assume he will be a solid part of this team for 2011.
3. This defense is GOOD: The media is quickly running out of excuses for why this team is the worst in the league. DeAngelo Hall had his first pick with a beautiful return (as I predicted he would) and the pass rush is vastly improved from last year. I expect for this team to solidly finish in the top 10 and if you need more reason past my previous article, just watch last night's game again.
4. Jarvis Jenkins will be missed: It was reported today that Jarvis Jenkins' injury was in fact an ACL tear which means he is out for the season. He was showing a lot of promise and would have surely been a factor on the D-Line. I think the team survives without him this year and will win the same number of games regardless, but it will be closer. Look for him to be a beast next year.
5. The Redskins will have a 1000 yard rusher (or 2): This line is blocking, these backs are hitting holes and finishing strong. For the 2nd straight week, Hightower had a long run and averaged over 4 yards per carry (6.2). As long as our backs stay healthy it will be a sure thing that Hightower gets 1000 yards, and could also be matched by Helu or Torain.
6. Reality Check, the Redskins are not a playoff team: Sorry, regardless of all the positive talk above, this team will not be going to the playoffs this year. I do believe they will be there soon, and hope to be wrong honestly, but with the weakness in pass coverage and a still suspect pass protection I don't see the Redskins thriving in the NFC East which is known for good QB play and dangerous pass rushers. Here's to next year.
7. Trent Williams can be dominant: All I ask for you to do is fast forward your DVR to the play where Hightower scored his touchdown, and rather than watch the run, please focus on Trent Williams and watch him maul Ray Lewis. When he gets going, Williams is a beast at the LT position. However, he has been spotty so far in his career and I hope to see that change.
8. Leonard Hankerson has been forgettable: I honestly expected Hank to get more reps with the first team, and he has faded to the bottom of 2nd string. The worst part for me is that I haven't really noticed until I went back and watched the game again. I still believe he can be a great possession receiver and red zone target, but that may be 1 or 2 years away yet.
9. The Redskins are a team: That may sound like a stupid comment to make, but read any interview from this year from any player, then go back and read any interview from any player from last year. You then tell me the difference. It's very interested to me to see how much happier the players are, and how optimistic the locker room sounds. The team working together cannot be under appreciated. This will account for at least 2 extra wins during the season.
10. Redskins fans are loyal and excited for this season: The game last night broke the previous Redskins record in TV ratings for preseason football, scoring an 18.7 rating. So ready for football!
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