Welcome to old school known as training camp.
Oh, the pads won’t be popping like days gone by, but
there are several position battles; including the big
daddy of them all – quarterback.
Normally, there are no starting jobs open once
teams reach the summer. That’s all decided in the
spring camps. At most there are a few jobs on special
teams at the end of the 53-man roster open.
Indeed, only a few openings overall this summer,
but a few positions could easily switch starters.
QQUARTERBACK –Is it Case Keenum or Dwayne
Haskins with Colt McCoy as a wild card? The two
were pretty even coming out of minicamp, leaving
coach Jay Gruden to declare the job would be decided
by late preseason. Most likely, the third preseason
game starter gets the September nod since the fourth
game is a throwaway.
Keenum has the experience over the rookie and
the Redskins can’t offer an early learning curve for
Haskins when facing four 2018 playoff teams in the
first five weeks. But, Haskins is clearly the future and
looked solid in the spring.
It would take an injury to Keenum or Haskins for
McCoy to have a chance for the job after missing
spring camps recovering from a broken leg suffered
last season.
Most likely, Keenum starts the season and Haskins
finishes it.
RECEIVERS –Let’s pick three as the first wave.
Paul Richardson is downtown. Josh Doctson finds the
outside and Trey Quinn gets the middle. Sounds easy,
but it’s really anything other than that.
Third-rounder Terry McLaurin will get some time,
especially if Ohio State teammate Haskins is pitching.
Cam Sims looked strong throughout offseason
camps. Great hands and size. He’s going to get a lot
of snaps. Sixth-rounder Kelvin Harmon will see some
time.
Overall, the unit has a lot of depth and no clear
star. Chances are the unit changes by midseason and
Sims emerges as the top playmaker.
LEFT GUARD –Ereck Flowers gets the opening
camp nod as the veteran, but there’s no way Wes
Martin shouldn’t be the starter. Flowers looked bad
in offseason camps. No lateral movement. The de-
fense danced by him, especially when forced to sub
at left tackle. Flowers’ shortcomings can be partly
hidden at guard, but it won’t be long before fans are
wishing for the glory days of Sean Lauvao. Martin is
a fourth-rounder who on looks appears solid. If
Martin’s not starting in September, he will come Oc-
tober.
CENTER –Chase Roullier is the starter, but don’t
be surprised if fifth-rounder Ross Pierschbacher plays
if the Redskins need to move Roullier to guard.
RUNNING BACK –Derrius Guice is supposed to
start, but Adrian Peterson didn’t get that memo.
They’ll have to pry the ball from A.P.’s hands. Chris
4 Warpath AUGUST 6, 2019
Training Camp Offers Plenty of Jobs
By Rick Snider
RUNNING OPTIMISM
The possibility of more running
plays in 2019 gives hope
to younger backs.
USA TODAY Sports/SCOTT TAETSCH