Redskins vs. Texans joint practice: 6 Things to watch for

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Sep 7, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) rushes as Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) looks to pass during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Starting on Thursday August 6 – 8, the Washington Redskins will be conducting joint practices against the Houston Texans leading up to their first preseason game on August 13th against the Cleveland Browns.

These practices with the Texans will be scripted and there will be some scrimmages as well, so here are some things to watch for as the two teams get in some work against each other.

1. Redskins OT’s vs. J.J. Watt

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is hands down the best defensive player in the NFL.  We saw what he could up close last season in week 1, when then starter at right tackle Tyler Polumbus struggled mightily to try to slow down Watt.

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Rookie right tackle Brandon Scherff has struggled some against Ryan Kerrigan in training camp and I’m sure Watt will be licking his chops to teach the rookie a lesson just as Kerrigan has.  I don’t expect Scherff to fair too well going up against Watt but that’s not really the point.

The point is to get some work going up against a player the caliber of Watt and to try to get better as a player.  Even though he’ll be overmatched, I expect Scherff to compete hard and that will be very important in that we want to see him to come away with some confidence.

Trent Williams vs. J.J. Watt will also be very interesting.  Williams is one of the best offensive tackle in the NFL and he should fair much better than Scherff going up against Watt.  We need Williams to get back to his 2013 form where he was arguably the best tackle in the league.

A good performance against Watt in the joint practices could be an indication that Williams is ready for a big season.  It would have been good see Williams and Scherff go up against Jadeveon Clowney also but he won’t be available for the joint practice.

Next: 2. Redskins Cornerbacks vs. DeAndre Hopkins

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