The New England Patriots play the Washington Redskins on Thursday in their 2014 NFL preseason opener. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET. Listen to the live radio broadcast via the links provided below.
After his sophomore slump in 2013, Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is looking to bounce back with a season reminiscent of his rookie year. Griffin struggled returning to form in the first part of the season after tearing his ACL in the 2012 playoffs. His mechanics looked off, and the team's porous offensive line certainly didn't make things easier for him.
While it's only the first preseason game, eyes will be on Griffin's footwork. He's more than a full year removed from knee surgery, and he's had the benefit of an entire offseason program to knock off any lingering rust and get back into football shape.
Redskins receivers Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson both are unlikely to play Thursday night, giving other players in Washington's crowded receiving corps - such as Leonard Hankerson and Andre Roberts - a chance to distinguish themselves and solidify a roster spot.
"It's [the] early stages of our evaluating process, but we do have a good feel for the guys, but only time will tell," first-year Redskins coach Jay Gruden told the team website. "You have to let the games be the main evaluator, not just coming out here in shorts at walkthroughs and practice. So the games are going to be a major part of how we evaluate the bottom half of the roster and the backups and the depth of our team."
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be watching from the sidelines Thursday night, giving four-year pro Ryan Mallett a chance to impress. Tight end Rob Gronkowski also is unlikely to see the field against Washington.
Listen to the live radio broadcast HERE (NE) and HERE (WAS).
