Redskins vs. Lions – Five Keys to the Game

Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins free safety Trenton Robinson (34) knocks the ball from Cleveland Browns tight end Rob Housler (84) during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

2. Win the turnover Battle

Last week against the Cleveland Browns the Redskins lost the turnover battle by losing two fumbles while gaining no turnovers from the Browns.  The Browns offense converted ten points off those turnovers but the Redskins still found a way to win the game.

However, that might not be case this week especially with the kind of offensive attack the Lions are capable of putting on the field.  The Redskins can’t afford to put the ball on the ground or throw interceptions while giving the Lions a short field like they did with the Browns.

Last season Redskins quarterbacks combined to throw 18 interceptions, so this is an area that needs to be improved.  In week one of the preseason, Redskins quarterbacks looked efficient in their reads and were never really in danger of turning the ball over.

That must continue this week.  The Redskins defense also needs to try to create some turnovers.  The pass rushers need to get pressure on the quarterbacks and try to force some bad throws from Matthew Stafford and the Lions QB’s.

A few strips and fumble recoveries deep in Lions territory help Robert Griffin III and the Redskins offense immensely giving them a short field and assist them in putting easy points on the board.

Next: 3. Limit big passing plays