So many questions left unanswered, and a few more questions raised, after the first preseason game against Denver, that it feels like the roof should be caving in - but no. Preseason has a way of doing that, I suppose, given how it's supposed to be the tune-up period for players that haven't had much in the way of contact or playing in the long summer. But preseason is precisely that - a tune-up, a period of improvement, of growth, of being put in bad spots and recovering from that, and learning how to handle it.
So it's with those thoughts in mind that the Washington Redskins come to town in the second preseason game, and they have their own things going on. Robert Griffin III looks like he's the man at the helm, but who's going to back him up - Rex Grossman or the other quarterback drafted this offseason in Kirk Cousins? Can Ryan Kerrigan continue his growth? Can Dan Snyder's money buy the team yet another new receiver - and how will that depth chart shake out in the end?
And then of course there's the navy and orange, who have plenty of questions of their own - namely, how much better will things look with Jay Cutler, Matt Forte and Julius Peppers all playing for the first time this preseason? Will J'Marcus Webb come out a completely different player or will Chris Williams be awarded the left tackle spot? Can Corey Wootton and Shea McClellin come out strong for a second week?
Gameday-related linkage after the jump.
John "Moon" Mullin offers his thoughts on five positions to watch tonight.
The National Football Post's Matt Bowen offers his own five things to watch.
As does the Tribune. Five seems to be the number of choice.
And again. [NBC Chicago's Maggie Hendricks]
ESPN Chicago adds a list of things to watch for, but it's in video format. Better than slideshow I suppose.
Tom Waddle also weighs in on the matchup.
Dane walked over to Washington DC just to answer questions - or maybe they settled things over email. You decide.
Random note: With the Rams deal falling through with London, are the Vikings primed to host consecutive years of London games?
CBS Chicago's Dan Durkin offers a "Know Your Opponent" post on the Redskins.
And speaking of "Know Your Opponent"...
Game-time tonight is 7 PM CT (8 PM ET, 1 AM Spongie-Time). First quarter thread will pop five minutes before the game starts, with subsequent quarter threads rolling out as the game moves along. As always, no links to illegal game streams will be provided on threat of shunning or other nasty things
Now with the propers out of the way, Bear Down!
Chicago Bears Fight Song (via scifiradioguy)