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3 Keys to victory for Washington Redskins in Week 11 vs. Saints

By Jacob Camenker

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 31: Wide receiver Maurice Harris #13 of the Washington Redskins runs for several yards during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

1. Get production out of top receiving options

The Redskins receiving corps is not in good health going into Sunday’s contest. Terrelle Pryor is already out with an ankle injury. Both Brian Quick and Ryan Grant are questionable due to concussions. Given the nature of the league’s protocol, it’s hard to know anything about the availability of either.

That said, the Redskins may have to roll with just a few receivers available this week. Josh Doctson, Jamison Crowder, and Maurice Harris. Sure, they are all fairly talented players. But the lack of depth is scary for the team. Also, it impacts their ability to play specific matchups. Thus, it is important for the team to be able to create space in the receiving game.

This will fall on the shoulders of Kirk Cousins. For the better part of two years, Redskins fans have witnessed the ongoing saga that is the Cousins contract negotiations. This is the perfect time for him to prove that he is a franchise quarterback. Potentially working without three receivers and his top tight end (or second best, depending on how you rank Jordan Reed), Cousins will have a chance to make a statement. He needs to throw his available receivers open and find mismatches. This could even stem from Vernon Davis being used as a receiver if the team needs that to happen.

Next: 5 Bold predictions for Redskins vs. Saints in NFL Week 11

No matter what, Washington will need production from their receiving corps. The Saints defense isn’t going to be an easy one to beat and with so few options, Cousins is going to have to help them greatly. They may not have depth at the position, but the talent is there and the Redskins need to deliver if they want a chance to win.

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