Redskins fans everywhere are still feeling the excitement and electricity that carried over from that HUGE win last Sunday against the Saints. The Redskins played like true contenders, and Kirk Cousins had a career day that won him the NFC Player of the Week Award. It will be crucial that the Redskins are able to maintain that intensity as they take on the undefeated Carolina Panthers this week. Regardless of how you feel about Cam Newton‘s dancing, one thing is for sure…we don’t want to see it this week.
Let’s dive right in and look at the keys to this week’s game, and what it will take for the Redskins to pull off the upset:
Play like a contender
Embrace the underdog role but at the same time go out there and expect to win this game. Nothing against the Panthers because they are an excellent team, but they are 100% beatable. It should be noted that the Panthers have one of the easiest schedules in the league this season. They’re a good team, but they’re not the Patriots.
The Redskins should play aggressive and show early that they won’t back down. Ask Ronda Rousey, sometimes even the big dogs fall! Carry that fire and intensity from Sunday and the Redskins could shock the world. If the Redskins win this game, they should be the heavy favorite to win the NFC East.
Slow down the Cam MVP talks
For anyone that follows me on Twitter, I’m sure they saw the friendly debate going on between Chad Ryan and myself in regards to Cam Newton‘s MVP candidacy. Although I believe he is an excellent player and a big part of Carolina’s success I don’t view him as the possible MVP of the league. Newton is currently 21st in the league in passing yards, 21st in the NFL in total QBR, has 9 INTs, barely over 50% completion percentage, 2 fumbles, has been sacked 18 times, and actually has the 2nd lowest QB rating of his career. Those are the negatives…the stats that help Newton are his rushing yards (366) and his rushing TDs (6). I could argue that Newton is a much greater threat on the ground than he is through the air.
It is crucial that the Redskins stop that dead in it’s tracks. Do not let Newton take off and run or he will make you pay for it. It’s important that the defense, especially the outside rushers do not over pursue. If they do that, he will take off for big yardage. The Redskins should have a spy on him at all times, which is why Will Compton, Keenan Robinson, and Perry Riley will really need to step up, which leads me to my next point…
MLB’s and Defensive line need to show up
It’s no secret that the Panthers focus on Sunday will be running the ball. Wether that is Cam Newton or Jonathan Stewart, or even Mike Tolbert. The Redskins have struggled all season at stopping the run, and it’s the biggest weakness on this team. I fully expect the Panthers to try and exploit that. It’s an excellent matchup for the Panthers who are one of the best rushing teams in the league compared to the Redskins who have one of the worst run defenses in the league. Joe Barry will need to have an excellent game plan put together, or it will be a long day.
Last week I called out the MLB’s and said they were the biggest weakness on this team. They countered with a strong game against the Saints. Besides giving up the long run to Mark Ingram, they really stepped up. Even Perry Riley looked good in coverage and got himself an INT. In fact, that interception was one of the best catches in the entire league that week. As I write this article, it is still unclear if Keenan Robinson will get back into the starting lineup on Sunday. I’m on record for saying that I believe Will Compton is the best MLB on this team, however Robinson’s athleticism matches up well against Newton on Sunday. Whoever ends up getting the nod at MLB will be assigned with spying Newton all day, and making sure that he doesn’t burn you with his legs. It won’t be an easy task, but will be pivotal on Sunday to which way this game goes.
You like that?
It should be pretty obvious at this point that Kirk Cousins has shown a lot of progress throughout the season, and should be the guy that the team builds around going forward. Cousins has been the highest rated QB in the NFL since week 7 , with a 71% completion percentage, 8 TDs with only 1 INT, and overall QB rating of 117.1. Also, Cousins is currently 4th in the NFL in completion percentage. It’s clear that when Cousins doesn’t turn the ball over, this team wins. He’s playing like the leader of this team and keeping the Redskins in playoff contention.
This week he has a tough task going against Josh Norman, who has been burned the least amount of times of any CB so far this season. Norman is also a legit contender for Defensive Player of the Year. He currently has 4 INTs, a FF, a FR, 14 passes defended, and 2 TDs. He’s having a monster year. I expect him to blanket Desean Jackson and take away the deep threat. However, by doing that it opens up the field for other guys such as Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder.
The Panthers defense as good as they are, are still giving up a lot of yards to offenses. They are still allowing 338 yards per game. They are allowing QB’s to throw for an average of 234 yards per game. Don’t sleep on Cousins to have a good game, who does an excellent job of spreading the ball around.
As good as this defense is, just remember Luke McCown had himself a pretty nice game against this squad. Looks like the Verizon commercials motivated him after all…
Remove Greg Olsen from the equation
Greg Olsen is a stud. No other way to say it. People are quick to say Newton doesn’t have anyone to throw to…clearly they forgot about Olsen who is an elite TE in this league. Like Rob Gronkowski and Jordan Reed, you have to almost consider them WR’s and not TE’s. His pass catching ability is top notch and makes a huge mismatch for the defense. Olsen is currently at 664 yards receiving and 5 TDs. It’s no secret that he will be in the Pro Bowl this season.
The good news is, as elite as Olsen has been he’s been shut down this season at times. Look at the Jaguars game for example: he had 1 reception for 11 yards. Also the Buccaneers game in which he had 2 receptions for 28 yards.
At times he will demand a double team, but it’s worth it considering that Newton’s outside targets are some of the worst in the league. Priority number one, as far as receivers go, needs to be removing Olsen from the equation. If the Redskins are able to do that, Newton could be in for a tough day through the air.
PROS:
#1: Momentum/Confidence. The Redskins just had one of their best performances in years and the nation is starting to take notice. If the Redskins can carry over that intensity, they have a good shot at winning this game.
#2: Kirk Cousins. He is on fire right now, and although on paper this looks like a bad matchup…it’s really not. Like I said earlier, the Panthers are giving up yardage through the air and Cousins does a great job of spreading the ball around. He has a good amount of weapons at his disposal and the Panthers will have their hands full. Just keep an eye on Luke Kuechly and Josh Norman.
#3: The running game has returned! Finally! The Redskins finally got their groove back last week and both Matt Jones and Alfred Morris had a good day. The Panthers are tough against the run, but still giving up a 100 yes rushing per game. If the Redskins take the same balanced approach as last week, they could have a good day on the ground as well.
CONS:
#1: Josh Norman. Although Cam Newton is getting all the attention, he’s not the best player on his team right now. It’s Norman. He is absolutely dominating his opponents and shutting guys down. If I’m Cousins, I’m avoiding him at all costs.
#2: Luke Kuechly. I didn’t mention him as much in this article as I could have, but the fact of the matter is he’s one of the best MLB’s in the entire league. He’s also a game changer. It’s important that the offense keeps track of him. It will also be fun seeing him go against Jordan Reed…although in coverage Reed still wins that matchup.
#3: Cam Newton’s legs and the running game. The Redskins run defense is the biggest weakness on this team…I guarantee you, the Panthers focus will be running the ball.
Washington Redskins vs Carolina Panthers is this Sunday at 1PM EST on FOX
As always follow me on Twitter @anthonyraposa for all things Redskins as well as your news and outlook.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
