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3 Keys to Victory for the Redskins in NFL Week 4 vs. Chiefs

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins makes a catch and scores a touchdown against the the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins makes a catch and scores a touchdown against the the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Robert Kelley #32 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball as Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to make the tackle during the second quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Robert Kelley #32 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball as Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to make the tackle during the second quarter of a game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

2. Establish running game early

In the Redskins two wins, there has been one major commonality. They have been able to run the ball effectively in order to keep opposing defenses off balance. Against the Rams, their run game led the way as they totaled 229 yards and had three players notch 67 or more yards. Against the Raiders, they were able to consistently move the ball and open up play action to help get the passing offense going.

When the Redskins take on the Chiefs tonight, they will have to once again get their ground game going. With the return of Rob Kelley imminent, that could end up being easier than anticipated.

Kelley looked very good in the first half of the contest against the Rams before he went out with a rib injury. He missed the second half of that game and also didn’t play Week 3 against the Raiders. However, Kelley is expected to play against the Chiefs and his strong running style mixed with good athleticism will allow him to have success against their front.

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The Chiefs have been prone to allowing 5-plus yard runs this season, and that could prove to be a problem for them tonight. Kelley’s return will allow the Skins to get going early, while Chris Thompson will mix in very well as an explosive playmaker. Thompson has been a big threat through three weeks, and he has the potential to break a long run every time he touches the ball. His ability coupled with the Chiefs’ struggles to contain runners could bode well for the Redskins.

In addition to these two, Samaje Perine will be mixed in as another physical back who has looked decent thus far as a rookie. Perine isn’t explosive yet, but he still is a strong runner who can push forward for a couple yards each time he totes the rock. That could be key for the team as they look to limit Kelley’s carries due to his rib injury.

Overall, a split of Kelley, Perine, and Thompson should be expected from the Redskins. But if the trio can gain over 100 yards on the ground throughout the night, that will be good news for the team. They can keep the Chiefs guessing and open things up for the passing game. This is the biggest key for the team on the offensive side.

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