Washington Redskins 2014 Training Camp Preview

Jul 17, 2014 - 4:06 PM (SportsNetwork.com) -

REPORT DATE: July 23

SITE: Bon Secours Training Center, Richmond, VA

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: It's all about which Robert Griffin III shows up inside the Beltway in 2014. If it's the healthy, rookie version of RG3, the Redskins should compete in a poor division even with serious question marks on the offensive line and throughout the defense.

If it's the injury-hampered sophomore Griffin, however, Jay Gruden's first season as a head coach in D.C, will be a lot like Mike Shanahan's last.

"I do think we'll see a very healthy RGIII," Baylor's Art Briles, RG3's college coach, told SiriusXM Radio. "I think we're gonna see a guy that's happy playing the game, that has a fire and attitude that you need to have a chance to be successful, because that's who he is. That's what his makeup is."

KEY OFFENSIVE ACQUISITION: One man's trash can be another's treasure in the NFL and in the often incestuous world of pro football, the Redskins were thrilled to scoop up what the Philadelphia Eagles left at the curb, diva-like wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

On paper, Jackson seems like a perfect fit for any offense, a versatile player who lines up all over the field with the deep speed to be a true home-run hitter.

The extra attention Jackson tends to get also figures to open up things for Washington's other elite playmakers, receiver Pierre Garcon, tight end Jordan Reed and running back Alfred Morris.

KEY DEFENSIVE ACQUISITION: On the defensive side of the ball the 'Skins also pilfered from a division rival, signing versatile defensive lineman Jason Hatcher away from Dallas.

Hatcher underwent arthroscopic knee surgery back on June 19 and is expected to be ready by the first week of August at the latest, although there is some concern because the veteran is now 32 years old.

Washington is hoping the light went off for Hatcher last season with the Cowboys when he recorded a career-high 11 sacks.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):

Aug 7 - vs. New England, 7:30 PM Aug 18 - vs. Cleveland, 8:00 PM Aug 23 - at Baltimore, 7:30 PM Aug 28 - at Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM