Steelers, Redskins expecting mistakes in opener

Associated Press

washington

Evan Royster has never been through anything like it. Not in high school in Virginia, not in college at Penn State. He’s a sixth-round draft pick who started at Square One two weeks ago learning the complex NFL play book of the Washington Redskins offense.

And now he’s got a game to play.

“It’s almost like not going to class for whole semester — and then trying to cram for a final exam,” he said.

Preseason NFL games are already notoriously sloppy, over-long and sleep-inducing, but things should be more adventurous than usual this time around. No one is expecting a clinic when the Redskins host the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight.

“I know everybody will run full speed,” Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall said. “But things won’t be as clean as they normally would.”

The NFL lockout kept teams from holding offseason conditioning sessions, minicamps and other workouts. Usually by now most everyone is in football shape and well versed in the Xs and Os. Not this year.

“Nobody’s been through a situation like this ever,” Washington coach Mike Shanahan said. “It’s quite different, but everybody’s under the same microscope. Everybody’s adhering to the same rules, so you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the edge. ... I think you understand that mistakes are going to happen.”

Well, it’s not quite the same for everybody. A quick comparison of the rosters proves that.

The Steelers are the reigning AFC champs and a hallmark of stability. All 22 starting jobs are pretty much set, barring injury or unexpected performances in preseason or training camp.

The team signed only one veteran free agent — tight end John Gilmore, listed as third-string on the depth chart — in the mad rush following the end of the lockout.

Redskins fans must look at that last fact and wrinkle their brows. Only one veteran free agent? Owner Dan Snyder could match that total in his sleep. Washington has added a least a dozen veteran free agents to a team that has finished last in the NFC East for three years running.

Conversely, the Redskins have only 18 pre-2011 draft picks on their roster. The Steelers have 31.

Washington is trying to figure who’s going to start at quarterback, running back and receiver, while the best drama Pittsburgh can offer are battles for third-string quarterback, No. 5 receiver and punter.

In other words, the Redskins have a lot more to accomplish in August with a lot of new people. The debut, therefore, could be quite messy.

Steelers sign Cotchery

The Steelers agreed to terms with former New York Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery.

The seven-year veteran was released by the Jets last week. Cotchery gives the defending AFC champions some needed depth at wide receiver behind Mike Wallace and Hines Ward.

Cotchery has 358 career receptions, but his numbers fell considerably last season in New York. He hauled in just 41 passes in 14 games in 2010, his lowest reception total since he became a starter in 2006.

Cotchery won’t play in the preseason opener.