Om Field: Redskins/Pats Preview (Meaning, Expectation, Colt & Chase)

[-Om-]

Redskins/Pats Preview: Meaning, Expectation, Colt & Chase
August 28, 2009


As happens every year, the talk all week has been about how Preseason “Game” Three—for the Redskins, against the New England Patriots tonight at FedEx Field—is the most “real” test of the preseason.

You know the drill; the starters will play longer, the game-planning will be more complex, the results will be more meaningful.

I don’t buy it. Never have, never will. To me it’s simply the high point of the artificial buildup and hype surrounding the entire preseason phenomenon that the NFL has so brilliantly marketed.

Yes, it’s the most “meaningful” preseason game. In the same way as timing yourself against a stopwatch in the streets of Pamplona the day before they release the bulls is your most meaningful practice.

After the requisite Week 3 buildup last year, the Redskins marched off to Carolina, where the Panthers handed them asses, 47-3. The starters were down 34-0 at the half.

The Redskins starting offense that day? Three consecutive three-and-out possessions to start the game, a two-first-down possession ending in a RB Ladell Betts fumble at midfield, three more three-and-outs, and a meaningless kneel-down possession deep in their own end to end the half.

The Redskins proceeded to start the regular season 6-2.

Three other 2008 Preseason Week 3 results, just for effect ...


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