Week 1 in the 2019 NFL regular season has arrived and the Washington Redskins will enter it relying heavily on new or young, unproven talent. Expectations vary widely with some in the local media feeling this new group may contribute more than the some in national media believe they will.
On Sunday, the Burgundy and Gold will start their season on the road at Lincoln Financial Field against the Philadelphia Eagles. Washington will be looking to put together back-to-back season-opening wins… something Head Coach Jay Gruden (who, at 1-4, doesn’t have a great opening day record) needs.
The Redskins have a daunting task ahead of them as they face an NFC East division rival that has had their number lately. To follow is a trio of players (or in one case, a unit) that, if successful, could make a difference in Washington getting its first regular-season win of 2019:
1). QB Case Keenum
Keenum, who is entering his ninth season in the NFL, has had some success over the past few seasons. The 31-year-old quarterback will look to rebound from last season where he completed 62 percent of his passes for 3,856 yards, 18 touchdown and 15 interceptions.
Washington’s offensive success will hinge on limiting negative plays. Keenum is known to be aggressive in the passing game but there is a fine line between aggressive and reckless. The Redskins will be on the road in one of the most hostile environments in the NFL so it will be interesting to see if the veteran signal-caller can limit the turnovers.
2). The Offensive Line
For any team to have offensive success, the line must work together like a well-oiled machine. During the preseason the Redskins tested several combinations in the unit, especially along the left side. Veteran All-Pro LT Trent Williams is still holding out on his contract so Gruden has decided to roll with 14-year veteran tackle Donald Penn as Williams’ replacement. Former New York Giant, Ereck Flowers, will play at left guard.
It will be necessary for this unit to communicate well and pay attention to detail.
Flowers is making the difficult transition to guard after playing the tackle position since being drafted in 2015. Hopefully, Penn’s — and center Chase Roullier’s — experience will mask some of the deficiencies that may arise from Flowers’ inexperience in his new spot.
3). WR Terry McLaurin
With the 13th pick in the third round of the 2019 draft (No. 76 overall) the Redskins selected Ohio State standout, Terry McLaurin. The Indianapolis native can play both inside and out, giving the Burgundy and Gold a versatile player at the position.
McLaurin has quality attributes. Many scouts had high praise for his special teams’ pedigree but commented that he had average tape as a wide receiver. However, the former Buckeye is anything but average at catching balls. His clean, precise route-running and ability to make solid blocks in the running and passing games are pronounced when watching his film.
Gruden wants his skill-position players to block in both the ground and air attacks and McLaurin shows great effort and technique in this area. As well, he works diligently to stay on contact down the field when plays get extended. He could stand to improve in being more deliberate about leveraging his hips; however, to get more drive to seal potential run lanes.
McLaurin had the best year of his collegiate career in his senior season, hauling in 35 receptions for 701 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished college with 75 receptions for 1,251 yards and 19 touchdowns; averaging 16.7 yards per reception.
It will be fascinating to see how OC Kevin O’Connell uses his rookie’s ability to track the football and body control to win contested catches. McLaurin is a versatile weapon that could assist the Redskins offense significantly in all aspects. His first-ever regular-season NFL game will be interesting.