The Redskins remain the top team in the NFC East and the playoffs could very well be in sight. But first thing is first, the Skins need to win this week. This week is the last home game of the season, and also the last game of the season that is not a division game. This game could also very well be the game that creates a bit of separation from the rest of the teams in the division. I think it’s safe to say Dallas is done, but Philly has a tough task ahead with Arizona and New York has to played an undefeated Carolina team. The bottom line…WIN!
The Bills are having a nice season themselves and it won’t be an easy game. Rex Ryan will have his team ready, hopefully the Redskins are able to match the intensity and look like a team that smells the playoffs.
Lets take a look at the keys to the game and what it will take for the Redskins to get a victory at the last regular season home game.
Can the Skins offense succeed against a Bills tough defense?
It’s no secret that Rex Ryan is a defensive mastermind and gets the best out of his players. A great example is Bacarri Rambo who was an absolute bust for the Redskins but is playing like a Pro Bowler for the Bills. Ryan just has a way of turning his players into studs.
The Bills defense is full of playmakers and do a great job of swarming the ball. The Bills defensive line led by Marcel Dareus are allowing barely over a hundred yards on the ground to their opponents. With that said, the Redskins could very well struggle on the ground and will need to get things done through the air.
The Bills secondary will be missing a playmaker in Stephon Gilmore who was placed on injured reserve but has a few guys really stepping up. Let’s not forget this secondary has given guys like Aaron Rodgers trouble. They may be giving up over 250 through the air a game, but don’t let that deceive you…it won’t be a cake walk.
Did I mention Mario Williams? He’s a beast and will cause havoc.
It’s important that the Redskins offense doesn’t play scared but they will also need to get creative against this defense.
Contain Lesean McCoy
We all know what McCoy is capable of. The guy can cut on a dime better than any RB in the league. He’s also the type of RB that can take one the distance at any time as well as catch out of the backfield. Injuries have held him back a bit this year but his production has still been at a high level.
It will be important that the Linebackers play strong and keep an eye on him at all times. McCoy does a great job of getting to the second level, so a lot of pressure will be on Will Compton and Mason Foster to contain him. Both guys have really played much better than people have expected, and we will need to see that success continue this week. It will be a tough challenge.
Slow down Tyrod Taylor
Taylor has been one of the cooler stories in the NFL this season and really came out of nowhere. He does an excellent job of being accurate and not turning the ball over. Taylor currently is sitting on only 5 INTs. He is also a duel threat QB that could take off at any moment and make a play for his team.
It will be crucial that Jason Hatcher and Ryan Kerrigan set the edge and get nice pressure. Trent Murphy will also need to have himself a solid game and build off the success he had last week against the Bears. I would also expect Preston Smith to see a lot of game time this week, much like he did last week. Chris Baker has had the best season of his career, hopefully he is able to keep the momentum going this week.
Don’t give up the big play to Sammy Watkins
At the beginning of the season Watkins started off really slow and also wasn’t very popular with the fans due to a few negative comments, but now he is on fire. Watkins has been one of the hottest receivers in the NFL recently and is putting up nice numbers. It will be vital that the Redskins secondary shuts him down and don’t allow him to break away with a big play.
The Redskins secondary has been playing a lot better recently and you can trust either Bashaud Breeland or Will Blackmon to give solid coverage on their assigned man. It will also be important that Dashaun Goldson and Deangelo Hall don’t allow guys like Watkins to burn past them and give up the deep pass. I believe Taylor could test them early, we’ll see how they respond.
Can the Redskins win a must win game and keep momentum going?
The Redskins need to continue to treat each game like it’s a playoff game, because at this point they pretty much are. Great opportunities could be on the horizon for the Redskins, who have been especially good at home. It’s important that the Redskins get a win this week, especially with how difficult the rest of the NFC East games are this week. This is a good opportunity for the Redskins to make a statement game late in December.
PROS
#1: It’s a home game. The Redskins have been absolutely dominate at home this season (don’t remind us about Dallas) and will need to keep that momentum going. We haven’t been able to say this recently, but this season the Redskins have had one of the best home field advantages in the NFL.
#2: Kirk Cousins has really been having himself a solid season and is proving he can lead this team in the right direction. At this point there shouldn’t really be much doubt who the QB of the future is. Cousins has earned that spot. With that said, the Bills secondary is missing Gilmore and the weakest area of a tough defense. Cousins could have some nice opportunities, especially over the top.
#3: Jordan Reed. This guy is the biggest difference maker on offense and is an absolute beast. I believe he is the second best TE in the league. Look for Reed to continue his success and hopefully find himself in the Pro Bowl soon.
CONS
#1: Rex Ryan is a defensive mastermind and I expect him to find ways to make a tough day for the Redskins offense.
#2: Lesean McCoy. The Redskins run defense has struggled many times this season, and if they aren’t carful McCoy could have himself a nice day.
#3: Tyrod Taylor. The guy is an accurate duel threat QB who could cause big problems for the Skins defense. It’s important the Skins play contain and keep an eye on him at all times.
Buffalo Bills vs Washington Redskins 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.
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