Is there a game tonight? 'Skins v. Pats game thread

[Wandering Athol]

Just got back recently from a month of total isolation - aka, I was absent any real means of acquiring Patriots-related news. Taking a quick gander at the threads whilst I've been away, I summarize the Pats have some pontential serious problems at the WR and LB positions....in other words, absolutely nothing has changed. ;)

Other than that: Gorin's out , Seau's in , Bruschi's hurt :(, and Harrison's back . Anything else I'm missing?

Not much talk on the board about there being a game tonight. In fact, if I hadn't of checked the Pats' website, I might've been heading out to a bar tomorrow afternoon instead of tonight, much to my chagrin.

Since this is the first preseason game I'll actually have the opportunity to watch, I figured I'd start a game thread to get everyone's opinion on what to watch for tonight.

Down here in 'Skins tribal lands, the feeling is that this is the year Gibbs leads the team back to the Happy Hunting Grounds of the Super Bowl....but then again, that's pretty much the consensus every year 'round these parts.

Here's a preview of the game from the Redskins' point of view:

http://www.redskins.com/gameday/
The Redskins travel to New England this week to take on the Patriots on Saturday night, Aug. 26, at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

The game will be broadcast locally on WUSA-TV 9 (CBS affiliate), Comcast SportsNet and Triple X ESPN Radio (94.3, 92.7 FM and 730 AM).

How long will the Redskins and Patriots play their starters? The third preseason game is typically when teams want to get a close look at their starting unit for at least one quarter of action.

For Washington, in two preseason games, most starters have played just 26 snaps total.

The Redskins have been less than impressive in preseason, losing twice and being outscored 46-17 in two games. Head coach Joe Gibbs was upset with the effort of some players in last Saturday's 27-14 loss to the New York Jets at FedExField.

"Obviously, we need to step up and play smooth against New England," Gibbs said. "Our pass protection has been pretty good--we'd like to continue that. We'd like to make some yards rushing. We'll be up against a real stout outfit. It'll be a real test for us."

Mark Brunell is scheduled to start at quarterback and he will be followed by Todd Collins and Jason Campbell. Brunell was held out of practice on Thursday due to a minor groin injury, but Gibbs emphasized it was strictly precautionary.

Said right tackle Jon Jansen: "We're going to go out there [in New England] and play a little bit more. We'll see if we can improve our results."

Newly acquired running back T.J. Duckett, acquired on Wednesday in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, is expected to see action in the game.

"He is a veteran, so we should have some carry-over from the things he has done in Atlanta," running backs coach Earnest Byner said. "He is in shape. The thing that we can do is limit the things that we do offensively so that he is comfortable, if that is needed. I don't think that is going to be needed. I think he is going to pick things up and we are going to be able to run the offense."

Meantime, more than two dozen young players and roster hopefuls will be competing to stay around for at least one more preseason game. All 32 NFL teams must reduce their roster to 65 by Tuesday, Aug. 29.

That means plenty of young players are on the bubble this week.

"I think every time somebody goes out there, whether it's practice or a game, they have to make a statement," Gibbs said. "It is their chance to be on film. That's why last week was so important for them. You can't go out and have a bad performance. You can't afford to do that if you are one of the guys trying to make the football team."

[#1Patsfan_chica]

What I'm keeping my eye on are the WR's, RB's, Harrison and Seau. I just don't want to see any injuries.

[Benign Despot]

'skins are a good test, a quality team to judge our preparedness for the season so I'll be keeping an eye on pretty much everything...

I'll also be trying to get a good look at our likely #2 receiver, David Patten

[Hemi_1]

I am Listening to the game on Sirius. It's not televised outside the Boston area.

But I will have it live on Sirius

Thanks Sirius

I will be interested in Our RB situation again. Skins offer a stronger Run D and I want to hear how the Kid can do.

Of course I want my Boy Mills to do well, Block your Azz off boy.

[Hemi_1]

False start? I thought we traded Gorin

Nice hands Troy for the first first down.

[Hemi_1]

3rd and 9. Brady out of the shotgun.......Fires down the file incomplete to Caldwell,

Flag on the play. P.I. First Down.

[Hemi_1]

I get to listen to Gill on Sirius.... Brings back memories.

Caught by Watson inside the ten yard line, down at the 9.

[Hemi_1]

2nd and gola at the Skins 7.

Hand off to Dillon, down at the 5 yard line.

3rd and 5 coming up

[Hemi_1]

Flag in the endzone. Uncatchable ball, watson was overthrown.

4th down on the skins 5.

Gostowski from 24 yards.

Its GOOD Its GOOD

3-0 Pats

[Hemi_1]

Originally posted by Hemi_1
I get to listen to Gill on Sirius.... Brings back memories.

Caught by Watson inside the ten yard line, down at the 9.

I think I meant Gino, anyway, still its all good.

[#1Patsfan_chica]

It's Rodney time.

[Hemi_1]

Brunell (sp) is going deep early
3rd and 4 at the skins 34 Yard line

Caught by Cooley. First down Skins.

[Hemi_1]

Ball is at mid field, Short run by the Skins,
2nd down
Incomplete Pass
3rd down
Incomplete pass

4th down Punt...............touch back

Pats ball at the 20

[Hemi_1]

Originally posted by #1Patsfan_chica
It's Rodney time.

I almost prefer Rodney to sit this one out. But if he wants to play its cool.

[Hemi_1]

1st Down........Empty backfield

missed Troy on a pass


WOW Second down Screen pass to Dillon.......39 yard gain