Quarterbacks and the defensive line – that's what you'll watch in the Washington Football Team's preseason opener against the New England Patriots on Thursday. The rest are afterthoughts.
Does the offense have a legit starting quarterback? Is it another aging passer hoping for one more spotlight or a youngster needing one more chance?
Is the defensive line heading for greatness and will the rest of the defense support it?
Of course, there's plenty else to watch. Will a rookie class not only produce starters in linebacker Jamin Davis and offensive tackle Sam Cosmi, but also see big results from receiver Dyami Brown, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste and tight end John Bates?
What does a preseason game look like under coach Ron Rivera, who didn't have any in his first season because of the COVID cancellations? Do three preseason games now equal four of the past?
So many questions for Washington as it visits the New England Patriots, but also so much promise. Despite a lackluster 7-9 last season, Washington has a reasonable chance to repeat as NFC East champs with 10 wins in the new 17-game season.
Many see 2021 as a second step towards a real Super Bowl contender in 2022. This preseason opener is a baby step towards a colossal goal.
Starters will probably play the traditional quarter or so before giving way. The difference is fans will recognize plenty of backups, as Washington's biggest offseason move was gaining depth.
But, quarterbacks and the defensive line are the ones likely deciding the season's fate.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's local debut is the most intriguing. Can the 38-year-old journeyman find success behind a revamped offensive line and several new targets? Fitzpatrick has shown a tendency for tipped passes and missed dreams in training camp, but also an increasing feel for throwing over defenders who have bitten on routes. Fitzpatrick's superpower is being more experienced and smarter than many defenders, but that can’t lead to arrogance or overplaying his abilities for turnovers.
Fitzpatrick is a near-lock to open the regular season as the starter, but not to play 17 games. He'll have to earn it week by week after midseason.
Lurking in the wings is fan favorite Taylor Heinicke, the hero of a playoff loss and the best out-of-the-league story since Kurt Warner returned from bagging groceries to winning a Super Bowl in 2000. Heinicke has looked uneven in practices, but has potential. He may be better in relief and spot starting. Let's see how he works under the lights, cause Heinicke is more of a gamer than a morning practice passer.
The defensive line allowing even a first down would surprise some fans, but the bottom line is this fistful of first-rounders was too often beaten last season. While ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat talk of breaking the NFL record for combined sacks, the whole unit needs to have a bigger impact than last season. And by facing five top offenses later this fall, it needs to find balance against the run.
It's a throwaway game to be soon forgotten, but first impressions are still memorable. In the NFL where expectations are roller coasters each week, this is the start of something that seems uncertain beforehand.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
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