Riggo's Rag
FanSided

5 players to watch in Redskins Week 8 matchup vs. the Cowboys

By Ian Cummings

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Reed (86) of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Reed (86) of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Reed (86) of the Washington Redskins celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Reed (86) of the Washington Redskins celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – TE Jordan Reed

Jordan Reed tore up the Cowboys last year, and the Redskins still lost. The hope is that that theme does not continue on Sunday.

Reed got off to a slow start in 2017. Through the first five games, the star tight end had only 18 receptions for 142 yards, and he’d yet to find the end zone. Now, after the Eagles game, he has 26 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

The shifty weapon appears to be finding a zone, and in the coming weeks, it would be in the Redskins’ best interests to use both him and Vernon Davis more in the middle of the field, in order to exploit weaknesses. They must start implementing that strategy on Sunday against the Cowboys.

More from Riggo's Rag

The Cowboys’ starting linebackers aren’t particularly good in coverage. Sean Lee is a tackling machine, but even he has had a slow start to the year with injuries. Smith has made a few big plays, but there’s plenty of room for improvement in his game, which is evidenced by his season grade of 43.9 on Pro Football Focus.

Thus, the Redskins would do well to exploit this weakness by using short, quick passes up the middle. Ultimately, they could use either Reed or Davis. Vernon Davis is seeing his career rejuvenated with the Redskins, but if Reed is back on pace to be his usual playmaking self, then he has more potential on the field than Davis.

A healthy mixture of both is a fine option, but the Redskins would be smart to use Reed as often as possible. Riding high off his best game of the season, Reed is one of a few healthy players right now. We don’t often get to say that. Which is why it’s important the team capitalizes on this. Reed plays better against NFC East competition. We’ve learned that over the years. He’ll be an important receiving weapon against the Cowboys, as always.

Home/Commanders News