What to expect tonight against Patriots

It's preseason, week 3, which usually signifies a longer stay on the field for Jason Campbell, and he needs it. The starting quarterback has played, probably, 15ish snaps. I could go add it up, but I won't.

Look for Campbell to play a half. And perhaps the Redskins starting offense can score a touchdown. For a change.

Five other things to look for against New England:

1. How much time will Todd Collins get?
After his performance last week, rookie Chase Daniel has been getting a lot of good press. Coach Jim Zorn probably won't play a lot of Collins, if at all. The team knows what Collins can do. He's not going to surprise anyone. He's solid, but aged. The Redskins want to see what Daniel can do, and they want to see what Colt Brennan can do. Brennan has had two bad games in a row, making ginormous mistakes at bad times.

2. Who's the No. 2 receiver?
OK, Santana Moss is No. 1. No doubt about that for now. But the team seems desperate to get Antwaan Randle El out of that second receiver spot and into the slot receiver/third receiving spot that he performed so well in when he was with Pittsburgh. It looks like Malcolm Kelly might be getting a shot at No. 2, if he can stay injury free. Devin Thomas has been slipping, and looks like he's at No. 4.

3. How well will the first-team defense stand up against Tom Brady and the Patriots?
All through camp, this defense, with its pass-rushing additions, has been talked about as being fantastic. I, myself, have said the defense has looked pretty dang good in preseason games. Tonight, the defense will get a strong challenge from Brady and the Patriots, who did a pretty good job of dismantling the Redskins the last time the two teams met. In that 52-7 bombing, the Patriots did a good job of attacking the Redskins' flats. We'll see if Pats coach Bill Belichick goes for the same thing (though, it being just a preseason game, Belichick probably won't bother game-planning).

4. Will anyone on the defense below the first team stand out?
Maybe I haven't been paying too close attention, but has there been a standout on defense, who isn't a starter? Chris Wilson might be the closest thing, delivering a bone-jarring sack in the Pittsburgh game. Kareem Moore has showed something, it's just a little hard to figure out what, right now. Haven't seen much in the secondary.

5. What becometh of Dominique Dorsey and Anthony Alridge?
The two running back speedsters haven't shown much so far, though they haven't been given too many chances. Dorsey has looked explosive on punt returns, but he hasn't been given too much shots. Alridge has been hurt all camp, and has shown absolutely nothing. The Redskins don't have too much in pure speed, so Dorsey and Alridge were brought in to help in that department. Alridge will get his first playing time of the season tonight.

The game is on nationally on CBS. Enjoy the show.

Preseason 09. Feel the pressure.

So, better late than never.

Still moving, and I didn't have any internet yesterday.

The Redskins announced their preseason schedule on Monday, and woah. Talk about a punishing schedule. Think about the hardest hitting teams in the league. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Now look at this schedule.

Dates	Opponent	Time
August 13	@ Baltimore Ravens	7:30 p.m. ET
August 20-24	Pittsburgh Steelers	TBD
August 28	New England Patriots	8 p.m. ET (CBS)
September 3-4	@ Jacksonville Jaguars	TBD

Ravens, Steelers, Patriots and Jaguars. At this point, I'm just hoping for no serious injuries.

Anyway, here's a quick breakdown.

@Ravens - The most interesting Redskins storyline in this game (other than the rookies) might just be backup quarterback Colt Brennan, who will no doubt play quite a bit (starters usually play a few series and then sit).

vs. Steelers - Super Bowl champs head to FedEx again. Hey maybe this time actual Redskins fans will buy tickets, and not be embarrassed by Terrible-Towel flinging Pittsburgh fans.

vs. Patriots - Tom Brady will get extended action (as most starters play at least a half in the third preseason game). I don't see this ending well.

@Jags - I really could care less about this game. Might be interesting for Jags fans since the Redskins were "the team of the South" not too long ago. Starters won't play long. Another Colt Brennan special.

Good to think about actual football again.