Redskins vs. Patriots: Five matchups to watch in preseason opener
By Ian Cummings
No. 2 – Redskins OLBs vs. Patriots LT Isaiah Wynn
The New England Patriots will only have one first-round pick heathy for their Week 1 preseason matchup against the Redskins. Luckily, Isaiah Wynn will provide a great test for the team’s edge rushing depth.
Behind Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith, the Redskins have a bit of a mix and match going on at edge rusher. Pernell McPhee and Ryan Anderson are both strength players who set the edge in run defense better than on passing downs. Pete Robertson is a mere camp standout at this point, and Alex McCalister, while he possesses stellar measurables, has yet to separate himself at a position of weaker depth.
Preseason will provide these players respective opportunities to showcase their individual talents, and this Week 1 matchup against Isaiah Wynn will be unique; can the aforementioned players use their combined traits and experience to get the best of a highly-touted rookie? If not, there are still three weeks left to be played. But if a player manages to accomplish that feat, it could go a long way toward making a case for a roster spot.