Redskins notable quotes: Manusky not counting on history to help with Colts

The Washington Redskins started the 2018 season with a win in Week 1 and now will host the Indianapolis Colts in their home opener. Some have penciled in the upcoming matchup as a “W” but it could be a harder-than-some-may-think challenge. Indianapolis is a team that doesn’t have a lot of buzz surrounding it, other than the return of quarterback Andrew Luck; but that doesn’t mean it is not dangerous. The Colts don’t have a great run game but Luck is a player that can throw the ball 50 times and complete 75 percent of those passes. He can put up numerous points any time he is healthy and on the field. Even though he was on IR all last season, he is an experienced QB that knows the position and can play it well.

Just because Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was with the Colts from 2012 to 2015 (in the same capacity), don’t assume game-planning for this contest will be effortless. While he may know the QB and his tendencies, Indy has a new head coach now so the offensive scheme is still a bit of a mystery. It is only Week 2 of the season and there’s not a lot of film to watch.

“Maybe. Maybe it doesn’t,” the DC said about whether his history with Luck will help. “But I’m just saying overall, I love the guy. He’s an incredible person; with me being there for four years, he was fantastic. Made a lot of good plays across the board and I respect him as a person and as a player.”

With a guy that can throw the ball like Luck can — on a team without much of a run game — it’s going to be important that the Redskins secondary is on point. Against the Arizona Cardinals, one standout was CB Quinton Dunbar and it’s hoped that his upward trajectory will continue at FedEx Field against Indianapolis. So far, he’s shown every sign that he is developing into a legitimate No. 1 corner.

With his prior knowledge and experience as a wideout, his size and length and work ethic; Manusky has high hopes for the former Gator.

“Yeah, I think when I first got here… you know, I wasn’t here when [Dunbar] was a wide receiver,” Manusky said about his undrafted defensive back. “But the next year I was, and prior to that, he just understood man coverage and that was about it and he didn’t know much. Now he knows route recognition. He knows what the quarterback is looking for. He knows exactly what the quarterback sees and from a coverage standpoint. He’s got the size and the ability to make plays and that’s what he did the other night. He played a heck of a game and I’m excited for him. We knew he had that in him. He just has to grow as a player and I think overall, all the young players that we have… [they’ve] got to grow just like ‘Dunnie’ did.”

Manusky’s squad played an excellent game against the Cardinals but there is always room for improvement, especially when playing a game that could surprise many, as is the case this week against the Colts. Manusky isn’t taking anything for granted.

“Yeah, I’d like to get a win, you know? More than anything, you know?” he said. “But from our standpoint, I just want to play physical, play hard across the board, and we kind of did that Sunday. But overall, I think our performance was OK. I don’t think it was where we wanted it to be right now but we got a lot of young players and I think eventually we are going to get to that spot where we get to where we want to be.”