2011 NFL Preseason Preview: Washington Redskins at Indianapolis Colts

Washington Redskins at Indianapolis Colts
Friday, 8/19/11, 7:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Washington -4
Current Betting Line: Washington -5.5
Opening Total: 34.5
Current Total: 34
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne anxiously awaits the return of his quarterback Peyton Manning

Washington surprised many with a 16-7 home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, out-gaining the AFC champions by 266 yards in the process. The Redskins were led by quarterback Rex Grossman, who finished 19-of-26 for 207 yards and a touchdown. It was an impressive showing due to playing just a half of football. “We got into a rhythm and pretty much played consistent throughout the first half,” Grossman commented after the game. He will not start Friday’s game under center, as head coach Mike Shanahan has named John Beck the starter. The former BYU star missed the opener due to a groin injury, but has looked razor sharp in practice heading in.

The Redskins are hoping that running back Tim Hightower can give the rushing attack a lift this season, rushing for 44 yards on 10 carries against the Steelers. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry during his two years in Arizona. On the other side of the ball, the coaching staff has been working with a rebuilt defensive line since parting ways with Albert Haynesworth, who has landed in New England. The unit ranked 31st overall a season ago and signing Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen is a step in the right direction. Both were members of divisional rivals a year ago and add much-needed quickness to the group.

Indianapolis dropped a 33-10 road contest to the St. Louis Rams last week as 7-point underdogs, which is nothing new for this team during the preseason. The Colts are 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS in their last nine exhibition contests. Experts are anxiously awaiting the arrival of quarterback Peyton Manning on the practice field, as he rehabs from offseason neck surgery. There’s concern that he may not be ready for the season opener against Houston. Looking back at the 2008 season, Manning had knee surgeries during the offseason, which caused the team to lose four of its first seven games before rattling off nine-straight wins to end the year.

The Colts are reduced to backup quarterbacks Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky in Manning’s absence, as both threw costly interceptions early in last week’s loss. “There’s encouraging moments, there’s some that are challenging,” Painter stated after the game. “Having another week of practice will help.” Indianapolis leads the all-time preseason series, 14-11-1, but is just 5-6-1 when hosting. Offensively, the team will look to continue developing its rookie running backs, as Darren Evans, Delone Carter and Chad Spann combined for 91 rushing yards against St. Louis.