Week 1 of the NFL season is over and the Redskins have begun the season 0-1 after a heartbreaking loss against the Miami Dolphins. The game was tough because it was winnable and the Skins could just as easily be sitting here at 1-0. In fact the Skins led just about every category of the game statistically but due to penalties, special teams errors, and turnovers, the game was lost. But that game is in the past, and now it’s time to focus on the tough task of beating a very underrated St. Louis Rams team.
Here are a few things to keep your eyes on during the game, and also what gives the Redskins the best chance of winning:
Kill Momentum
The Rams are coming off a huge upset victory in which they defeated the Seahawks 34-31 in Overtime. The Rams always seem to play the Seahawks tough but they looked extra motivated in this game. The Rams will be coming to FedEx field will full steam ahead momentum. Confidence and morale will be at high for the Rams, and for the Redskins to have any chance in this game they will have to kill that momentum IMMEDIATELY. Best way to do that is control the clock with the run game and cause turnovers.
The Redskins have looked fantastic with the running game so far. Week 1 Alfred Morris looked about as good as he ever has running for 121 yards. That has to continue! If the Redskins control the time of possession they have a good shot at winning this game.
Turn long drives into points
The Redskins did a good job of moving the ball and controlling the game against Miami last week. Especially during the first half. The problem is that the Skins couldn’t put points on the board and walked away with only 10 points. The Redskins killed themselves by getting penalty after penalty and going in the wrong direction. At times the Skins would take a step in the right direction, and then take two steps back…or five…or ten.
The Redskins showed signs of flash on offense but didn’t capitalize on the opportunities that were presented to them. I believe it’s fair to say the Skins lost this game more than the Dolphins won it. Not to take anything away from them as a team, but the stats don’t lie. The Redskins could have won this game.
Cousins and his turnover demons
Kirk Cousins didn’t have a bad game on Sunday, but he also didn’t have a good game either. Cousins always seems to start games strong, but then turns around and has a bad second half. It’s no secret that Cousins has a turnover issue and it’s an issue that he can’t seem to shake. It’s simple…turnovers lose you games. The team that turns the ball over the least will win most, if not every time. Now to be fair, the Phins made a great one handed catch on the INT and Brent Grimes made a great read on the other pick. The Redskins had a great game plan in place. They didn’t put too much on Cousins’ shoulders and allowed him to get the ball out quickly. I would expect a lot of the same, but hopefully this time without any turnovers.
The Rams were able to get an INT off of Russell Wilson on Sunday but also gave up a lot of yards through the air. I believe Cousins will throw for for a good amount of yards this Sunday but is going against a tough corner in Janoris Jenkins. Even without Desean Jackson, the Skins will have to spread the ball around and someone will have to step up in his place. Pierre Garcon quietly had a big game on Sunday and this team will really need him to take some of the pressure off of Cousins with another strong game.
Contain (or slow down) Rams Defensive Line
The Rams have quite possibly the best defensive line in football. Stacked with Chris Long, Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, and Robert Quinn. The Skins offensive line led by Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff face another tough task for the second week in a row. The Redskins offensive line really rised to the occasion and will be asked to do so for the second week in a row. Morgan Moses really played a strong game at Right Tackle and hopefully can carry that momentum forward. I don’t really know if you can flat out stop this defensive line, but slowing them down is key. Look for the Rams to blitz often and try to fluster Cousins into making poor throws. If there is one area of the football field that you want to keep your eyes on during the game, this it.
Aaron Donald has been named NFC Defensive Player of the week after a dominating outing against the Seahawks. He’s a stud in this league and a disruptor on the field. The offensive line, especially Scherff against Suh was very good last Sunday. We will need to see another effort just like last week for the Redskins offense to have much of a chance.
Improvement on Special Teams
This seems to be an issue that the Redskins can never fix. The story was the same on Sunday as the Redskins gave up a crucial Punt Return TD that sealed the victory for the Dolphins. The Skins also had a missed FG attempt from Kai Forbath which killed momentum. This week the team dropped Forbath and added Dustin Hopkins, who has a big leg. The reason for the addition was in hopes that the team can get a kicker who can kick it into the back of the end zone and gives the Redskins defense better field position to work with.
The Rams are dangerous on Special Teams with Tavon Austin back there who took a punt return to the house this past Sunday. The Redskins will need to shut him down and not give up any big plays in the return game.
PROS:
#1. Question marks for the Rams RB’s. We still don’t know who will be playing RB for them on Sunday, and even if it’s rookie Todd Gurley, he’s inexperienced and will have a hard time getting going against a tough Redskins DL.
#2. The Rams WR’s are average at best. The leading pass catcher right now for the Rams is a TE. Their two starting WR’s are Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin. Last week they had a COMBINED 35 yards receiving.
#3. The Rams have holes in the secondary. Janoris Jenkins is the lone bright spot in the secondary. Other than him not a whole lot going on back there. Looks for Kirk Cousins to take some shots and pass for a good amount of yards in this one.
CONS:
#1. Aaron Donald and that Defensive line. The Rams have arguably the best Defensive Line in football and are going to give the Redskins hell. I don’t know that you can stop them, but to have a chance you must slow them down.
#2. The Rams might have their QB in Nick Foles. The Rams haven’t had their man at QB since Kurt Warner but they may have found him in Nick Foles. He’s not a superstar or household name but he will get the job done. He had a good game against a very good Seattle secondary so look for this game to be put on his back.
#3. Tavon Austin on Special Teams. I’m not scared of this guy as a Wide Receiver but as a return man he is terrifying. If the Redskins give up a TD on ST like they did last week this could very well be another loss.
St. Louis Rams vs. Washington Redskins is this Sunday (Sep 20) at 1:00pm 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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