The 3-4 Redskins come into Foxborough, Massachusetts today with a little momentum.
After coming off of a bye week following the franchises largest comeback victory against the Buccaneers, Washington has its toughest matchup of the season facing the 7-0 New England Patriots at 1 PM.
Led by QB Tom Brady, the New England Patriots come into this game looking to continue there undefeated season against a Redskins defense that allows an average of 360 yards per game. The matchup doesn’t bode well for Washington, who hasn’t been able to stop a quality QB from dismantling their weak secondary (and Tom Brady isn’t just a quality QB…). Washington has also one of the worst rush defenses in the NFL, which New England can take advantage of with RB Dion Lewis and Legarette Blount. Lewis is a fast and agile runner who stays low to the ground while Blount is a power back who loves contact and runs straight through defenders. Coach Belichick has the ability to pick and choose for which style of running would compliment Brady best in todays game.
The Patriots have the best offense in the league, so what does Washington have to do?
This Redskins team don’t seem phased. QB Kirk Cousins has a new-found confidence after having his best game of the season two weeks ago, throwing for 317 yards and 3 touchdowns, while running for another one. Cousins will have to reproduce numbers like that in order to lead his team to victory against the reigning super bowl champions.
The Redskins must get off to a fast start. They cannot afford to go 3 and out or have drives die from penalty’s against a team of this caliber. The key to any team playing competitively against the Patriots is being able to put up atleast 28-30 points in the game. Washington took its time against Tampa Bay where they were able to squeak out a win in the very end. They can’t play that same way and must get points on the board early and often.
Another key point is the Patriots have a depleted offensive line, who have been banged up and full of injuries recently. The Redskins have an opportunity to get a lot of pressure on Brady today. If they can’t it will be a long day for the defense.
It isn’t an impossible and anything can happen, that’s why they play the game right?
Players to watch:
Rob Gronkowski (NE): Possibly the toughest matchup for the Redskins is containing TE Rob Gronkowski, who has provided matchup problems for any defense in the league. Washington does not have a LB, or a CB for that matter, that will be able to matchup with Gronk. Look for Brady to fire his way more often in today’s matchup.
Kirk Cousins (WSH): Cousins comes into this game confident as he has ever been as the starting QB for the Redskins. He is going up against a defense that gives up about 249 yard passing per game (the Redskins allow 232 per game). The secondary for the Patriots is its achilles heel and if Cousins can exploit that secondary for some big plays, the Redskins could put some points up on the board.
Prediction: Patriots 35 Redskins 17
