Keys to the Game
*Only Two Active Tight Ends*
Jordan Reed and Niles Paul are both inactive vs the Seahawks due to injury. Rookie TE Jeremy Sprinkle will be be counted on as the second tight end, with primary TE Vernon Davis being used more as receiving threat. The Arkansas TE’s primary contribution needs to be in the run game. The run blocking this year by the Redskins tight ends have been abysmal. Sprinkle will be sorely needed today as a blocker, with only two active O-Lineman starters available. The return of RG Brandon Scherff will be a big boast for the run game, but not a solution. If Sprinkle can at least set the edge on some Jet Sweep/Zone Read runs (hopefully in the game plan today), this team could pose enough of a run threat to set up the play action
*The O-Line Must Adjust*
*Cousins Needs to Take Chances*
*Redskins Pass Rush vs Russell Wilson*
I heard Skins D-Coordinator Greg Manusky mention playing more zone against the Seahawks, which I’m hoping will not be the game plan. Opposing teams always say “keep Wilson in the pocket“, well accepting there’s a problem with that line of thinking is the first step in containing The QB. The defense needs to focus on just getting a hand on Wilson, stunts and DB Blitzes may be their best friend today. I agree safety DJ Swearinger has missed some key tackles this year, but as a blitzer DJ’s at his best! The only way to accomplish this kind of rush, without paying the price is utilizing press man coverage. The combination of Norman, Breeland, Dunbar and Fuller are best used in press coverage as aggressors. I’m looking for Norman to be used more as a field roamer in the game plan today, compared to last week when he was just getting his feet back. It also sounds as if safety D.Hall could get the start at safety alongside DJ. This is the biggest unknown of the day. If the 34 year old Hall can somehow regain a quarter of his previous self, we could be in for an unexpected surprise! I’m going out on a limb here and giving a bold prediction that D.Hall takes an interception to the house, which will decide the game. Hey I said it was a bold prediction right!
Final Prediction
38-34 Redskins
I think this will be another tough game for the Redskins, but somehow they’ll manage to shock the league with a victory. In the end I think Kirk Cousins will have a really good afternoon. I believe he’ll adhere to Coach Gruden’s challenge to “give his receivers a chance“. The pot of good is on the other side and a good performance could add an extra dimension to Kirk’s game. This game will be a huge challenge, but I’ve seen something from this squad I haven’t seen over the last two decades and that’s HEART! Stayed tuned for the next B&G Report in which another Redskins Rookie will be in the Spotlight.
Stat Predictions
*Cousins will finish the day with 300 yards passing 2 TD, 1 rushing TD and 1 interception.
*Docston/Pryor combine for 150 yards receiving 1 TD
*Chris Thompson will finish with 140 total yards with a TD (55 yards rushing & 85 yards receiving).
*The defense 4 sacks combjned (Brown/Preston/Kerrigan)
*Deangelo Hall with the pick 6 TD to put the game out of reach