At 1 PM, the Washington Redskins (2-3) will head to MetLife Stadium and face off against the recently well rested New York Jets (3-1).
For Washington, the injury bug has hit hard and will be a big factor in todays matchup.
The Redskins were rumored to possibly see a return in star WR DeSean Jackson who has been battling a strained left hamstring since Week 1 against the Dolphins. Jackson has officially been ruled out for today’s game alongside RB Matt Jones, who will also be sidelined today due to a sprained toe.
For the Redskins, the absence of Jones is big as he has averaged 4.1 yards per carry so far in this young season and has established himself as an important weapon offensively.
What does this mean for the Redskins?
Chris Thompson will replace Matt Jones and split time with Alfred Morris, who has yet to see the end zone this season. The Redskins offense is at its best when it can run the ball effectively and establish the play-action for Kirk Cousins.
If Washington wants to have any chance today, they must do so against what should be a stout Jets defense.
The Jets have just come off of a bye week while also having DE Sheldon Richardson return to the defensive line. Richardson has completed his four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy and is cleared to play against the Redskins.
That does not bode well for the Redskins either.
Richardson had 8 sacks last season and has emerged as a premier pass rusher in the NFL. After his suspension, look for Richardson to make an immediate impact on a crippled Redskins offensive line. The Redskins are missing their starting LT, LG, and C for todays game along with their starting RB, WR, TE, and both CBs.
Players to watch:
Chris Ivory (NYJ) – Ivory has had a very good season so far, averaging five yards per carry and seen the end zone three times so far. Ivory runs very aggressively and should have a successful day against a Washington Defense that has allowed 97.6 yards per game on the ground. Fellow teammate WR Brandon Marshall even stated this past week that Ivory is “the best running back” in the NFL right now. Look for him to have a big day.
Eric Decker (NYJ) – Decker has an impressive streak going where he has scored a TD in every game he has played in this season. The Redskins secondary is injured and banged up, allowing 216 passing yards per game. This is a great matchup for the Jets offense and look for them to utilize the play action all day long. Decker has a nose for the end zone and while fellow teammate Brandon Marshall will most likely see more of the defense’s attention, look for Decker to continue putting up six for the Jets.
Chris Thompson (WSH) – Thompson will split carries with Morris today for the Redskins and must be effective in both the running and passing game today. Thompson is more versatile than Morris and should see more dump off passes from Cousins, similar to Matt Jones. With the Jet’s stout run defense, look for Thompson to try and help move the Redskins offense any way he can.
Redskins Offensive Line (WSH)- Between stupid penalties that halt any momentum and protection of the QB, the whole entire offensive line is under watch today. This Jet’s defensive line is one of the best in the entire league and can blow up pass protection in a second. With the return of Sheldon Richardson, the Jet’s will be attacking Kirk Cousins all game long who will most likely be in the shotgun formation all day long. If the offensive line can give Cousins some time in the pocket, the entire offense can open up.
Prediction: Jets 24 Redskins 13
