Redskins vs Buccaneers: What to Watch

The last Redskins preseason game is here and that means it is almost time for some real football! But we have to deal with this one last week. Here's what to watch...

1. Pat White will be playing the entire game so for his fans this will be fun to watch. We haven't seen White play for an extended period of time so this will be interesting to see. The reality is that this is a chance for White to try out for other teams. He has no chance of making this roster. He can throw some slant routes but really lacks the ability to make the outside throws.

2. Brandon Meriweather will be one of the starters actually playing tonight and he really needs to look fully healthy. The Redskins lack depth at safety so if he can't come out and show that he is ready to be the starter then it won't bode well for the early games this season. Watch to see how he helps out the run defense because I expect him to make a big difference there.

3. The running backs will be competing for roster spots. Helu and Morris are obvious locks but behind them there are question marks. As I mentioned in my 53 man roster predictions the Redskins may carry 4 running backs this year. Chris Thompson is most likely to make the team because of his explosiveness and the fact that he is a rookie helps. So, the last spot is going to be a battle between Evan Royster and Keiland Williams. Royster has been out the last two games so he will need to prove himself in the backfield and on special teams. Williams has been extremely successful on special teams and looked impressive last week running the ball. At this point Williams is the favorite but Royster still has a chance to win the job.

4. Punt returner is a bit of a question mark with Richard Crawford going down. This is another area where Chris Thompson might be able to help out. He has been inconsistent so far but if he can show he is a valuable returner that will boost his stock. Josh Morgan, Santana Moss, and Skye Dawson all have a chance to return punts. If Dawson wants to make the team he will need to blow the coaches away with his return ability.

5. There are other players trying to make the roster including wide receivers Lance Lewis, Dezmond Brizcoe, Skye Dawson, and Nick Williams. It's unlikely that more than one of these guys will make the team if any so they will have to stand out. Jerome Murphy (CB) and Jose Gumbs (S) are also on the fringe of a roster spot. Both have made an impression so far but it is still going to be hard for either to make the team. Their contribution on special teams is important for them as well.