Patriots Beat: More than an exhibition

NFL teams have always used the third preseason game as their true test, the one each club will emphasize the most. That was the reality tailback Fred Taylor had always known, until he arrived in New England.

"Usually it's the most important one until you become a Patriot - then they're all important," said Taylor of his realization after spending 11 seasons in Jacksonville.

Truth be told, however, the Patriots have traditionally subscribed to that same philosophy. Just looking at the last two years, most of the offensive starters played into the second half in Week 3 of last year's preseason against the Eagles, albeit in a disastrous loss to the Eagles (Matt Cassel was 8-of-14 for 60 yards, while the Patriots' rushing attack managed just 65 yards combined). In 2007, however, Tom Brady likewise played into the second half in the third preseason game against Carolina, racking up 167 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-21 passing.

Brady seemed to think he'd be in a similar situation tonight when the Patriots meet the Redskins at FedEx Field (Ch. 4, 8 p.m.)

"We know we're going to play quite a bit," Brady said this week. "I think that's traditionally what we've always done. I think that's what we're all expecting to do. You're through those early phases of training camp where you made a lot of those mistakes. Now, you're hopefully starting to really get ready for the opener."

How ready the Patriots are remains to be seen. The Patriots, at least on offense, looked crisp in their opening exhibition against Philadelphia, only to struggle moving the ball last Thursday at home against Cincinnati. Brady was part of the lackluster performance, with just 57 yards on 4-of-8 passing after 100 yards and two TDs the week before.

Better to get that type of game out of your system when it doesn't count, Brady said.

"That's the reason for the preseason games," Brady said. "You want to see how you stack up, how well you've been practicing, because there's not a lot of evidence there on the practice field."

The same could be said about the Patriots' backup quarterbacks, none of whom have truly separated themselves to be Brady's backup. Kevin O'Connell, the once-favorite to fill that role, had three drives end in punts against the Bengals before a nice performance in the final minutes of the first half led the Patriots to a field goal (he also looked decent in the team's final series of the game). Meanwhile, Andrew Walter, thought to have been brought in to push O'Connell, seemed lost against the Eagles before sitting out last week.

As for the running game, Laurence Maroney wasn't as positive that he'll see consistent action tonight, but he's prepared to get those reps.

"I don't really care if it's preseason or regular season, (I just) go out and go hard," he said. "I don't know how long I'm going to play. I just know when I do play, just be ready."

Being prepared, unfortunately, hasn't produced the desired results yet for the fourth-year tailback. Back from a shoulder injury that placed him on injured reserve last year, Maroney has just 20 yards on nine rush attempts in the first two preseason games (he did also have a 14-yard catch against the Bengals). Then again, BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been the most productive runner for the Patriots so far, so Maroney still has a chance to distinguish himself tonight.

Similarly, the No. 3 receiving gig could still be up for grabs, with Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis totaling three receptions between them in the first two weeks (all against the Bengals). Galloway is likely the front-runner, with Lewis proving to be valuable on special teams, although we may see a few balls thrown their way tonight.

Tonight will also be a test for the Patriots' defense, which has been good on the surface, but has surrendered a considerable chunk of real estate, especially in the first half. Cincinnati racked up 212 yards before halftime last week, including 163 through the air. Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell may not put up a number like that tonight, with just four completions in 13 attempts this preseason. The Patriots, however, just want a better effort, regardless of opponent.

"It's still a process," cornerback Leigh Bodden said. "I think everybody makes mistakes, and everybody made plays, but it's always going to improve."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick wouldn't reveal what he has planned for his starting unit, although it was clear that there will be ample time for taking a look at everyone.

"Here's a game, we're going on the road, we're going up against a very good group of skill players," Belichick said. "(The Redskins) like to line up and play, so it gives you a pretty good evaluation of whether you can line up and play with them."

(Andy Vogt can be reached at 508-626-3848 or jvogt@cnc.com. Check out his Patriots Twitter feed at twitter.com/AndyVogt)