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Redskins vs. Broncos: 5 position battles to watch in Preseason Week 3

By Jacob Camenker

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins hands the ball off to Rob Kelley #20 during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Colt McCoy #12 of the Washington Redskins hands the ball off to Rob Kelley #20 during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Kenjon Barner #38 of the Philadelphia Eagles returns a kick-return against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Kenjon Barner #38 of the Philadelphia Eagles returns a kick-return against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

3. Backup Edge Rusher

Pernell McPhee vs. Ryan Anderson

For the past couple of seasons, the Redskins have had a third rotational rusher that has made a big impact in the role. In 2016, it was Trent Murphy. Last year, it was Junior Galette. This year, they need one of these players to emerge to continue to succeed at this spot.

McPhee is a big-bodied guy who has played for the Ravens and Bears during his NFL career. He’s great at holding the edge and defending against the run, and he also offers a little as a pass rusher thanks to his strength-based moves. He signed a one-year, bargain bin deal to join the Redskins and is the favorite to hold that position.

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Anderson was a second-round pick in 2017, and he did little to prove that he was worth the selection last year. Anderson is similar to McPhee in that he isn’t a great athlete, but he has a great motor and some strength on his frame. However, Anderson is smaller than McPhee and will have to use a bit of quickness if he wants to beat NFL tackles.

The third preseason game will be a good time for both players to demonstrate that they have the pass rushing moves needed to be successful at this position. If they can’t do it, it may prompt the Redskins to start exploring other options and keeping one of the duo on board as a run-stuffing specialist.

A reunion with Galette, who recently stated that he would play for the veteran minimum, may not be a bad idea as he would provide solid depth at one of the thinner positions on the Redskins roster. Either way, these guys will be fighting for playing time and potentially a roster spot, so this is a position to watch for sure.

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