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Right now, Robert Griffin III is the starting quarterback of the Washington Redskins. Whether or not that fact remains true over the next few weeks remains to be seen. Of course, that’s what preseason is for.
Griffin, for the first time in what seems like football-eternity, is healthy and anxious to prove that he’s not only an NFL-caliber quarterback but worthy of the $16.2 million option the Redskins picked up for 2016.
Washington opens camp on July 30 and is scheduled to play its first preseason game on August 13 in Cleveland. Check out the full four-game schedule here. All times listed are local.
Washington Redskin 2015 Preseason Schedule
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Thursday, August 13 at Cleveland Browns, 8 p.m.
They’re looking for a little bit of stability in Cleveland. After a back-and-forth battle at quarterback last season and plenty of off-field drama, care of Johnny Manzeil, the Browns are settling on a starter under center from the get-go. It’s Josh McCown. It’s not been an easy road for the former Tampa Bay quarterback who is coming off a dreadful season last year and is also 36 years old. Still, if the Browns can get McCown settled into a system and keep that system settled, things may be, finally, looking up in Cleveland.
Thursday, August 20 vs. Detroit Lions, 7:30 p.m.
The Lions would really, really like to get healthy. Although it didn’t keep Detroit out of the playoffs last season, the team battled injuries all year, including a banged up Calvin Johnson and Joique Bell who frequently played through problems. That isn’t ideal though and in a perfect world, Detroit would have a fully healthy roster as soon as possible. This is also a Lions defense that no longer includes Ndamukong Suh and it’ll be interesting to see how Detroit’s front line reacts without the enforcer on the squad.
Saturday, August 29 at Baltimore Ravens, 7:30 p.m.
Throughout the franchise’s history, Baltimore has developed a reputation as a defensive powerhouse and this year that defensive strength may come from a slightly unexpected source; fourth-round draft pick Za’Darious Smith. The former Kentucky standout has been described as an almost identical player to Chicago’s Pernell Mcphee, if not more vicious from the corner. Smith can run, he can hit and, perhaps most importantly, he can work his way into the backfield.
Thursday, September 3 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m.
The Jaguars need to get better up front. Desperately. Jacksonville’s front line gave up an NFL-high 71 sacks last season and from 2012-14 have averaged just 88.8 yards per game rushing. Those are not particularly good numbers. Former Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone joined the staff this offseason, taking over the offensive line and the squad is hoping to see some changes as soon as camp opens. If the line can’t get better, there isn’t much hope for second-year quarterback Blake Bortles.
