Steelers Redskins Betting – Steelers Begin Long Road Back; Redskins Look For Answers
With the Albert Haynesworth circus not around to provide a distraction at the training camp of the Washington Redskins this year, the spotlight has shifted around a team with many question marks, but only few answers. The Redskins are looking to improve on a horrible 2010 campaign in which they struggled on both sides of the ball, and with competition at several skill positions, the exhibition schedule will be crucial in shaping their season.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Washington Redskins
Friday August 12, 2011 – 7:30 PM ET
FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
NFL Betting Line: Pittsburgh Steelers – 1.5
The Redskins will find out in a hurry who they can rely on, with a good test in game one of their preseason against the defending AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Continuity is the reason why the black and gold have been so successful over the years, a sports betting bonus model that Washington fans their franchise can emulate in time.
NFL Betting Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers
The biggest obstacle for the Steelers this season will be avoiding the curse that has plagued Super Bowl losers over the years, something that the team has already addressed with a solid focus and sense of urgency throughout a shortened training camp. Ben Roethslisberger remains the franchise quarterback, but there is an interesting battle for the No. 2 job in Pittsburgh as Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon clash for time. The Steelers drafted Jonathan Dwyer at running back behind Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore, and he will need to prove himself with a solid preseason. Defensively, all eyes remain on a secondary that was picked apart in the Super Bowl by Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as head coach Mike Tomlin looks for someone to emerge to start opposite Ike Taylor at cornerback.
NFL Betting Preview: Washington Redskins
The situation is much different for a Redskins’ team with plenty more question marks on both sides of the ball, beginning at the most important position on any team, the quarterback. Head coach Mike Shanahan has already said that he believes John Beck is capable of becoming the starter and franchise signal-caller, but he will allow Rex Grossman to compete for the job this preseason. Meanwhile, Washington acquired running back Tim Hightower from the Arizona Cardinals to play with Roy Helu and Keiland Williams, and it will be interesting to see which one emerges. The Redskins are hoping that rookie Ryan Kerrigan can help their porous pass rush on defense, but he is already behind and will need a ton of help.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick:
This will be a good test of merit for a Redskins’ team that is happy to be focused on football and seemingly moving in the right sports betting direction so far this season. Washington has several question marks on both sides of the ball, and the preseason will be crucial to developing a starting roster. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh will be eager to get back out on the field and look to begin a tough road back to the Super Bowl, something that Tomlin and his boys understand begins right now.
NFL Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers – 1.5
