5 bold predictions for Redskins in Week 11 clash with the Saints

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 2: Running back Samaje Perine #32 of the Washington Redskins rushes the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 2: Running back Samaje Perine #32 of the Washington Redskins rushes the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

4. Samaje Perine scores 2 touchdowns

When Rob Kelley hit the Injured Reserve earlier this week, the Redskins immediately became thin at running back. With just Samaje Perine and Chris Thompson in the fold, the position looked uncertain at best. The team had to regret waiving Mack Brown a couple of weeks earlier, though that move was a necessity due to needs on the offensive line.

Regardless of that, Washington is going to have to roll with Perine as their main back for the rest of the season. While Thompson will continue to see more of the snaps, due to his abilities as a pass catcher, Perine will be the primary man to run between the tackles. This is his chance to make a case for the starting job heading into next season.

The Saints do have a strong defense up front, but one of their weaker points is their nose tackle. Tyeler Davison is a marginal starter, so it seems possible that Washington’s offensive line could move him to open some holes. That would especially be helpful if they could do that in goal-to-go scenarios.

Perine may not get a lot of opportunities, especially if the Redskins fall behind early in the contest. But in short yardage situations, he could thrive. If the team gets into the red zone, expect Perine to be heavily involved in the game plan. He may end up getting a couple of touchdowns and really helping the team to stay close to the Saints in the early going.