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Redskins: 5 matchups to watch in Week 16 clash with the Broncos

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Wide Receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Wide Receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos makes a catch and runs for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos makes a catch and runs for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

4. Jeff Heuerman vs. Redskins linebackers

Jeff Heuerman is far from a household name, but he actually was a third round pick just a couple of years ago. Selected by the Broncos in 2015, Heuerman was expected to challenge for a starting job in his time with the team. An injury derailed his rookie season, and he hasn’t seen a lot of playing time this year. However, one play against the Colts has to be making Vance Joseph reconsider that.

Heuerman caught a 54-yard touchdown pass last week on what was a perfect pass from Brock Osweiler. The Broncos quarterback threw a perfectly timed pass down the field that Heuerman caught in stride. He had a step on his defender and quickly used his speed to separate. From there, he threw a defender off with a big stiff arm and scampered into the end zone. It was a solid play that demonstrated what Heuerman is capable of at his best.

The Broncos should look to get the younger Heuerman some more experience in the final two games. The Redskins haven’t been able to defend tight ends well this season, so that seems like a good place to start. Heuerman will get a chance to matchup with a Washington linebacker corps that is likely to be without Zach Brown. Brown is dealing with a myriad of injuries and has yet to practice this week. Given his value to the team and lack of importance of this game, he probably won’t suit up.

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With the other top inside linebackers already out and also hitting the free agent market, Martrell Spaight and Zach Vigil will have to take care of business as the starters. Both have flashed at times, but they could be beaten by the athletic Heuerman considering that neither is particularly good in coverage. That will make this an important matchup.

To avoid getting burned, Greg Manusky has to think about using some safety help to protect against big plays. If the corners play to their best ability, a big if at this point in the season, then this should be possible and D.J. Swearinger can help the cause. If not, the Broncos may be able to expose the Redskins defense early in the contest. Either way, this is an area that the Redskins have to be prepared for come Sunday.

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