5:3 Wait Almost Over

Today is July 9th. Officially less than three weeks until Training Camp begins around the NFL. The Redskins will have their first day of Training Camp on July 29th extending into August. As an avid fan it has been a long wait for football season to start, but the wait is almost over. From Training Camp, the Redskins will kickoff their Preseason with a game against the Buffalo Bills on August 13th - just over a month away. The Redskins will have three more preseason games against their close-to-home rivals Baltimore Ravens at home followed by two road games against the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.

Now Preseason games are exactly that,....pre-season games. Records don't apply and there's nothing on the line. They are simply a chance for teams to test their new players against actual opponents and give their team a feel for different strategies before actually entering the season. The Preseason this year should be very beneficial to the Redskins as they have a brand new team, with both new coaches and new players, who all need time to blend. Coming together as a collective team and unit will be critical for a team begging for a second chance. The Redskins will have four opportunities to test a new defense, a new quarterback, a new coach, and new rookies looking for roster spots.

There are a few positions on the team where there will be competition for roster spots and starting spots. First will be at the wide receiver position. Santana Moss is the only player with an almost guaranteed spot. Devon Thomas and Malcolm Kelly will most likely make it, but there is a chance one or both won't make the final cut. Look for players like Joey Galloway and Anthony Armstrong to possibly sneak into the depth chart as a special teams receiver or just a back up receiver. It should be interesting. Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson might battle for the starting job, but Portis will most likely start this year. Willie Parker is a maybe for the Redskins. There are some other backs who will compete for his job. Finally, the third QB spot is up for grabs. Richard Bartel and Colt Brennan will duke it out for the final QB spot on the team. Fans love Brennan, however Bartel has proven himself in the OTA's this year. There is much to anticipate and the season draws ever near as we are just 20 days away from camp.