The 2018 regular season begins for the Washington Redskins as they will take on the Arizona Cardinals this afternoon at State Farm Stadium. The Redskins will look to turn around an opening week in which they have fallen short more often than not in years past. Jay Gruden and company are 0-4 in week one matchups over the past four seasons.
There is a clear difference between the Burgundy and Gold from previous years versus their 2018 roster, however. Talented depth is evident and should enable the Redskins to maintain a high level of play and production on the field even if injuries were to occur.
In every game, there are things a team must do in accomplishing there ultimate goal of attaining victory.
Let’s take a look at three aspects of the Redskins game that if done well could secure their first victory of the 2018 NFL season.
1. No Turnovers
Turnovers can swing the pendulum the wrong way often having devastating effects. Washington hasn’t won a week one matchup since the 2012 season in which they beat the New Orleans Saints 40-32. The Redskins had zero turnovers in that game.
Since that time Washington has been reckless in protecting the football. In week one games under coach Jay Gruden, they have a staggering 10 turnovers (13 total dating back to 2013). It will be important that players take what the defense of the Cardinals gives them and not try and play out of character.
Forced efforts often result in costly mistakes. If the Redskins can play fundamentally sound and protect the football they could finally get Gruden his first week one win since his inception as head coach.
2. Stopping the Run
It may seem a little cliche, but for the Redskins stopping the run is definitely a point of emphasis. In 2017 Greg Manuskys defense was 31st in yards allowed per game (134.1) and 29th in yards allowed per rush (4.5). Arizona’s running back David Johnson is the type of player that can beat a defense in many different ways.
Redskins vs. Cardinals: the final Prediction
Johnson missed the majority of 2017 with a wrist injury but has previously proven how dangerous he can be. In 2016, the Northern Iowa product had 1,239 yards, 16 rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.3 yards per rushing attempt. He also had a significant role in the passing game. That same year, he was targeted 120 times finishing the season with 80 receptions for 879 yards and four touchdowns.
Washington will need to be sound in their gap responsibilities and make secure tackles against the shifty Johnson to be successful. If the Redskins front seven can continue to build on the aggressive moments they showed in the preseason, Washington’s defense could play a huge role in assisting the team to its’ first victory of the year.
3. Converting on Third Down
In 2017, Washington ranked 31st (32.35%) on third downs and was unable to put together clock killing drives late in the second half of games. The deficiency became a big factor in close games.
In the preseason that trend continued as the offense was a dreadful 27% on third down conversions. Against the Cardinals, Washington will need to rectify the issue as it not only prevents more points from being scored, but it also can be a burden on the defense as they are unable to stay fresh.
If the Redskins want to have a chance to win on the road in a hostile environment, it will be imperative for the offense to put together scoring drives that can keep the defense fresh and motivated.