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Redskins-Ravens: 4 Players to Watch Presented by Papa John's

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Redskins.com looks at some of the key players to keep an eye on during Saturday's Redskins-Ravens preseason game at FedExField.

"Redskins-Ravens: 4 Players to Watch" is presented by Papa John's.

Every Monday, fans can order a large cheese pizza for only $9.99, plus for each touchdown that the Redskins score, fans get one free topping. And with a Redskins victory, fans get double the toppings.


-- JAMMAL BROWN

Right tackle Jammal Brown returned to practice last week after experiencing a bout of hip soreness during training camp. He is expected to make his Redskins debut against the Baltimore Ravens.

Brown joined the Redskins in mid-June as part of a trade with the New Orleans Saints. He is a two-time Pro Bowler at left tackle, but he is playing right tackle with the Redskins.

His hip remains a concern. He missed all of last season after undergoing hip surgery.

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In Saturday's game against Baltimore, keep an eye on Brown in pass protection. If he is fluid in his pass blocking and can slow the Ravens' aggressive 3-4 defense, then he could solidify the right side of the offensive line.

-- DEVIN THOMAS

Devin Thomas was listed as a third-string wide receiver when the Redskins released their first depth chart this month.

If it was an attempt to motivate the talented Thomas, then it clearly worked. He caught a 44-yard touchdown pass in last week's preseason win over the Buffalo Bills.

Was it enough for Thomas to re-claim his starting job? Preseason games tell the tale.

Meantime, head coach Mike Shanahan praised Thomas last week.

"He has been great," Shanahan said. "He's working hard. I think he said it best -- you've got to go out there every day and prove yourself. You've got to do the little things the right way and he's gone out there and worked. He's tried to improve in every area. I like his attitude and his work ethic."

-- ANDRE CARTER

Competing at outside linebacker, Andre Carter and Lorenzo Alexander have both seen action with the first-team defense during training camp.

Carter, as has been well documented, is transitioning to outside linebacker from defensive end, the position he played since 2006. In that span, Carter leads the Redskins in sacks with 31.5 sacks, including 11 last year.

Some suggested after the Bills game that Carter looked uncomfortable at outside linebacker, particularly when asked to cover running backs and tight ends on pass plays.

Responded Mike Shanahan: "Andre has done a great job in camp. I am very impressed on how he handles himself and hard he works. You need game day experience especially when you switch positions. Andre will just get better and better. He is what you look for in an outside linebacker."

-- LARON LANDRY

The Redskins have put LaRon Landry back at strong safety – a move he welcomed after three years of playing mostly free safety.

"I had to sit back and let things come to me, and I'm not a sit-back type of player," Landry said. "I like to be in the mix, I like to attack. Being close to the ball, I'm more involved and more able to react and just play."

Keep an eye on Landry as he plays closer to the line of scrimmage. Defensive coaches aren't revealing too much of his role, but he has all the tools to be an outstanding blitzer from the strong safety position.

"He's probably the fastest guy I've been around," defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. "He's explosive. He's a good tackler and he's a good blitzer. He is a guy that can probably do anything he wants."

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