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3 Keys to victory for Redskins in Sunday’s Week 15 tilt with Cardinals

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Free safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Chandler Jones of Arizona Cardinals looks on during the NFL International Series match between Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Chandler Jones of Arizona Cardinals looks on during the NFL International Series match between Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

2. Take Chandler Jones out of the game on offense

The Redskins offensive line is likely going to be undermanned once again on Sunday. With Trent Williams questionable for the game and having not suited up all week, the team may end up having a hole at left tackle. Ty Nsekhe has played well in the past, but he has dealt with a core muscle injury this season that has impacted his ability to be a quality blocker.

This has to excite Chandler Jones. The leading sack man in the NFL is getting a chance tot bring his numbers to the next level against a weak offensive line. While the Redskins may not have the best or most healthy blockers available to face him, they can strategically plan to take him out of the game.

Early on, the Redskins should look to take Jones out of the game by using his aggressive, pass rushing mentality to their advantage. Running screens to Jones’ side of the ball could afford Washington an opportunity to gain chunk yards without directly going against the team’s strong run defense and it could take Jones out of the play.

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On a screen, Jones would be breaking towards the quarterback and he would jump at a chance to hit the quarterback. But if Kirk Cousins can release the ball quickly enough and if the play is properly developed, then the Redskins could gain enough yards on the play to make it an effective strategy.

Of course, that would only work for so long. The team can’t constantly run screens towards Jones. So in addition to that, the team will have to establish a ground game and ensure that Samaje Perine can at least keep the Arizona defense honest. That will open up the play action portion of the playbook and that is one of Cousins’ major strengths. He would be able to bait Jones into defending the run and would limit his chances to get a sack as a result.

It’s going to take a lot of effort to shut out Jones. With the right game plan, Jay Gruden can help the team to get it done and score him some brownie points that will help him to cool off his ever-warming seat.

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