The Washington Redskins will kick off their 2019 NFL season on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. A victory is not only important to this year’s record, however. The Redskins lead all-time against the Eagles 86-78-6 but in recent history, they haven’t had much success on opening day. Head coach Jay Gruden has a Week 1 record of 1-4 since he came to the nation’s capital five seasons ago with the one win coming in 2018. Against Philly today, he needs to build on last year’s win.
That said, the Burgundy and Gold will look to take a young talented roster into Lincoln Financial Field that some feel has been severely overlooked.
To follow are some areas that, if executed well, could help the Redskins to secure their first win in 2019 against a Super Bowl-favored team in Philadelphia:
1. Convert on Third Down
In 2018, Washington ranked No. 23 (36.41 percent) on third down, eight spots up from their 2017 ranking of No. 31 (32.35 percent). While an improvement, they were still unable to consistently put together clock-killing drives late in the second half of games. The deficiency became a significant factor in the team’s ability to score early as well as having a negative effect in closing games.
During the preseason, the trend continued with the offense only converting a dreadful 26 percent on third-down. Against the Eagles, Washington will need to rectify this issue. Otherwise, they not only won’t score enough points; the burden on the defense will challenge its ability to remain as dynamic as it should throughout the game.
If the Redskins want to win on the road in a hostile environment, it will be imperative to put together scoring drives that can keep the defense fresh and motivated.
2. Run the Ball to Set up the Pass
Nothing gets an offensive line into a rhythm more than running the football. With the uncertainty and newness of the left side of the Redskins offensive line, it would be smart for OC Kevin O’Connell to lean on his dynamic backfield. Doing so will allow the offensive line to initiate contact and set the tone in the trenches.
Against the active defensive front of the Eagles, running the football enables empowers the Redskins offensive line to generate a level of unity and cohesiveness which will pay dividends in passing situations.
3. Pressure Eagles QB Carson Wentz
The Eagles averaged 22.1 points per game in 2018. The addition of WR DeSean Jackson to the duo of Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor will likely result in an explosive Philly passing attack. In 2018, Eagles head coach Doug Peterson’s offense was ninth in the league in passing, averaging 263 yards per game.
Over the past few years, Washington has been building a talent-laden defense that now has significant depth. But to get the best of the talented Eagles offense, DC Greg Manusky’s entire squad must be fundamentally sound and consistent in its ability to rush the passer.
The combination of OLBs Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat with the aggressive D-linemen Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis and Daron Payne; should give the Redskins the ability to deliver a steady dose of pressure on Wentz.