Redskins: Keys to beating the Eagles

Sep 24, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) blocks a punt by Washington Redskins punter Tress Way (5) which was ruled a safety during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Faytok/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

3. Improve on special teams

In the Redskins one win this season against the Rams they got a good performance out of their special teams.  New kicker Dustin Hopkins definitely made an impact and punter Tress Way kicked away from dangerous return man Tavon Austin when he could.

The same must apply on Sunday against the Eagles as in week 3 running back Darren Sproles broke loose for an 89 yard punt return that was the difference in beating the New York Jets on the road.  That can’t happen against the Redskins and I expect them to kick away from Sproles.

But without a doubt the Eagles will also be trying to block punts on Sunday as the Redskins struggled in this area against the Giants.  The Redskins need to find the right personnel to be effective blocking on punts and not take that for granted.

I think this will be a close game and special teams could be one of the deciding factors in who wins.  This has been a problem for the Redskins for years now and it’s time this issue was corrected once and for all.

They have a good punter and it looks like they’ve found a good kicker.  Rashad Ross and Jamison Crowder have potential as the return men but now the coverage teams need to come along.  To beat the Eagles the Redskins need to flip that area immediately from bad to good.

Next: 4. Efficiency in passing game