Redskins vs Browns – Five Keys to the Game

Jun 16, 2015; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) hands the ball off to Redskins running back Silas Redd (32) during drills on day one of Redskins Minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2. Establish the running game

The Washington Redskins will be a power running team this year and it would be good to lay the foundation for that in this first preseason game.  This will help RGIII and the other QB’s with play action and also keeping an extra defender in the box to open up passing lanes.

The Redskins offensive line will need to show they can control the line of scrimmage and play a tough physical style of football.  The Browns will have monstrous rookie nose tackle Danny Shelton up front and so the Redskins center Kory Lichtensteiger and guards Brandon Scherff and Shawn Lauvao will have a good early test.

Alfred Morris probably won’t play past the first few series so the backups will get a lot of reps and will need to run hard to make an impression.  Rookie Matt Jones is dealing with a knee injury and may not participate in this game.

So the bulk of carries could go to Silas Redd, Chris Thompson, and rookie Trey Williams.  None of them are what you would think of as power running backs with Redd being the closest but it will be interesting to see how effective they can be.

Next: 3. Control the Browns passing game