The Washington Redskins will be looking to get off to a faster start in their season opener than in years past. Head Coach Jay Gruden is an abysmal 0-4 in regular season-opening games, and his teams have often looked flat and lethargic. Many in the media who cover the Redskins closely feel that this is a different team that is hungry and could be on the cusp of achieving things the national media believe they aren’t capable of achieving.
On Sunday, Washington will go on the road to the University of Phoenix Stadium and take on the Arizona Cardinals. There will be a few players to watch as their success could have a significant impact on the Burgundy and Gold attaining their first win of the regular season.
1. CB Quinton Dunbar
Entering his fourth year the former undrafted Florida wide receiver, has steadily improved his skills as a defensive back. Dunbar has shown an ability to cover well in space, contesting 50/50 balls and breaking up passes. In 15 games in 2017, the Florida native accrued 28 tackles, eight passes defended and hauled in one interception.
It will be fascinating to see what type of impact Dunbar can have against a proven quarterback in Sam Bradford. Dunbar’s knowledge of the receiver position gives him the upper hand allowing him to have a better understanding of his position in relation to the wideout he is defending. He’s continued ascension as a player could enable Greg Mansuky’s defense to come away with a few more turnovers this season.
2. TE Jordan Reed
It’s no secret that good health has been the kryptonite to an otherwise impressive tight end that could be one of the five best in the National Football League. When healthy, the former Florida standout has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL. His best season was back in 2015 when he amassed 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Reed only played in six games last season finishing the season with only 27 catches for 211 yards. From OTA’s to training camp, Reed has been working hard in preparation for week one of the regular season. The sixth-year pro has been practicing with the starters for several weeks but didn’t play in any of the Redskins preseason games.
The Redskins are dangerous in their two-tight-end and three-tight end packages. Reed’s presence enables the guys around him to attain more favorable matchups. It will be intriguing to see what his presence on the field will do for a Redskins offense that has several weapons at their disposal.
3. WR Josh Doctson
The former 22nd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft played in only two games as a rookie because of an Achilles injury. Last season, Doctson had 35 receptions for 502 yards and six touchdowns. The area that Doctson needs to improve on the most in 2018 is his drops. He was targeted 78 times leaving him with a deficit of 43 potential opportunities left on the field in 2017.
With the addition of Paul Richardson and the return of the Pro Bowl tight Reed, the Mansfield Texas native should see a lot of one-on-one matchups. Quarterback Alex Smith is known for spreading the ball around and giving his receivers chances to make plays in the passing game. Doctson has shown a level of consistency during training camp and the preseason of making some tough in traffic catches.
It will be compelling to see if the third-year pro can continue to improve and become a consistent target that can be trusted. Washington’s offense could leave the Cardinals defense in a serious dilemma forcing them to pick their poison if Doctson can make an impact early in the game.