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Redskins Challenge: Jay Gruden, it’s time for you to “Put up your Dukes”

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins watches warm ups prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins watches warm ups prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Morgan Moses #76 and quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with Morgan Moses #76 and quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Gruden has to help coach up the offensive line and use proper backs to get the run game going

Heading into the 2017 season the offensive line looked to be a strength on offense. The unit was solid in 2016 as they paved the way for a top 5 offense. Cousins was sacked on 3.6 percent of dropbacks, best for fifth lowest in the NFL. Continuity wasn’t also supposed to play a factor as the team returned the same starting five.

After allowing four sacks and rushing for under 60 yards against the Eagles Jay Gruden should opt to get his o-line moving forward on Sunday. The Redskins are too pass happy, they need to be more patient with the run game.

Rob Kelley rarely loses yards, and is the type of back that needs more that 10 carries to find a rhythm. Chris Thompson had a strong game on Sunday; but limiting Perine to only special teams duty is inexcusable. Despite ugly gains, Jay Gruden should stick to the ground game. It could potentially bode well for the Redskins offense.

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Cousins is at his best when the Redskins offense has balance. He thrives when using play-action. Last year, numbers from Football Outsiders indicated Washington led the league with 10.4 yards per play-action pass play.

Now that the Redskins no longer have DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon, Gruden should get Cousins acclimated to handing it off more to Kelley, Thompson, and Perine to at least keep defenses honest. Cousins has enough weapons in the passing game for the offense to continue to excel at play-action.

A loss to Sean McVay and the Rams would be a troubling sign for Jay Gruden and his team. An 0-2 start for the second year straight would only make matters worse. I challenge Gruden to be more committed to calling more running plays. This offense needs a major boost and more emphasis on running is critical to the play of Kirk Cousins.

Next: 5 Bold predictions for Redskins vs. Rams in NFL Week 2

So, it’s time for you to put up your dukes Jay Gruden. Find the proper, balanced game plan and make sure you don’t let the team start 0-2 once again.

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