Washington Redskins Aim For Victory In Their First Ever London Game
Just as the Beatles invaded the US, so too, have the Washington Redskins invaded London as they aim to gain a victory over the 3-4 Cincinnati Bengals.
The Washington Redskins enter Sunday’s game in desperate need of a victory. After falling to Detroit last week in heartbreaking fashion, and the current competitiveness of the NFC East; a victory is needed to stay relevant in postseason contention.
Washington has been plagued with injuries throughout the season, and the three biggest have made headlines leading up to Sunday’s game. Josh Norman, Jordan Reed, and Trent Williams all made the flight to London, and remain questionable for the game. Williams, who has continually played with pain throughout his career, has maintained he’ll play with a sprained left knee.
Both Norman and Reed are recovering from concussions. Reed has missed two weeks, and Norman was recently injured in Detroit a week ago. Both Reed and Norman participated in light practices Friday and will have to see a doctor again Saturday following walk through to determine if they’re able to play. Reed and Norman both have been quoted as saying they feel great.
The Bengals have powerful offense led by Andy Dalton. The Bengals have the fifth overall offense, averaging 392.6 yards per game. Dalton has racked up 2,065 yards passing (4th in the NFL) along with 8 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions thus far this season. His star receiver, A.J. Green, leads the NFL in receptions with 50 and is second in both receiving yards with 775 and yards per game 110.7.
So, having Norman back would be a big relief for the Redskins secondary. Norman, too is excited for the challenge to defend one the leagues best in Green, per US News’ Zach Boyer.
"I think he’s like a top four, five wide receiver in the league. He’s at the top of his profession and it’s cool to see a talent like that come out here that we get to match-up with.This is going to be the first time we go at each other and that’s always a new thing for me. I like to see what that’s like. It’s going to be an awesome time, man. It really is going to be an awesome challenge for myself. I’m like a kid on Christmas. It’s so exciting. I’m looking forward to it."
The Redskins will be without starting running back Matt Jones. Jones, who said that he suffered cartilage damage on his knee during the loss to Detroit, didn’t practice all week. So, the Redskins will turn to rookie Robert Kelley to fill the role of the injured Jones. Kelley, who has seen limited actions, has looked good when given the opportunity. He’s rushed 12 times for 92 yards this season. He has a great ability to find the holes and make proper cuts; something Jones often times struggles with. Chris Thompson will also have an increased role, similar to that of the Detroit game. The Redskins also signed Mack Brown off the practice squad to give extra depth at the position. Coach Gruden commented on the situation that the team has at the position, per ESPN’s John Keim.
"He’s ready to go. He has a limited amount of work but the reps he has, he’s done a good job. He runs hard and he runs physical and he has great vision. We’re excited to see what he’ll do with more reps. Mack had a very strong presseason and that was a tough decision between Rob and Mack[in the final cuts]. We’re very comfortable with Mack also."
If the Redskins escape London with a victory and move their record to 5-3, it’ll be a great trip back across the pond.