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

2. Josh Doctson vs. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris

The last two games of the season are critical for Josh Doctson. His first full NFL season has been a bit of a roller coaster. At times, he has flashed the ability to produce as a potential No. 1 receiver. Other times, he makes mistakes that make you wonder why he’s on the field.

As is the case with most things, the truth on Doctson is somewhere in the middle. Doctson probably has the makings of a great No. 2 wide-out unless he can prove that he can beat some of the NFL’s best cover corners. Sunday will give him a chance to do that.

Aqib Talib and Chris Harris have been arguably the best cornerback duo in the league over the course of the past few seasons. Both are capable of shadowing No. 1 wide-outs and completely removing them from games. The duo will be focusing on Doctson and Jamison Crowder this week, but it’s really on Doctson to prove himself to end the season. Crowder’s value as a slot guy is already known.

Look for Doctson to hopefully come out of the gate aggressively and try to create some early separation between him and the corners. Doctson has a good combination of size and downfield speed, but he hasn’t been able to use the former to his advantage enough this year. Instead of looking for a big play touchdown, which Doctson is capable of producing, he needs to use his physicality to outmuscle his opponents for the ball. By doing this, he can guarantee that he will be involved in the game.

Here’s hoping that Doctson can impress against Denver. If he does, that will give him, the team, and the fans some confidence moving forward.