3 Keys to victory for Redskins vs. Broncos in NFL Week 16
2. Keep Kirk Cousins clean in the pocket without Trent Williams
The strength of the Broncos has long been their defense. In the past five years, they’ve been in the Super Bowl twice. Once, they had a great offense and a good defense. Once, they had an awful offense and an elite defense. They won the latter contest because as the old adage goes, defense wins championships.
On Sunday, the Broncos aren’t playing in a championship game by any means. But, they do have an advantage over the banged up Washington offense. Possessing some strong cornerbacks and a great front, the Broncos will look to matchup against the Redskins offense and shut them down. However, their biggest advantage comes in the pass rush department because of the presence of Von Miller.
Miller is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He has been a big time playmaker and that is unlikely to change this week. Trent Williams was placed on season ending IR this week, so Ty Nsekhe will slide in as the starting left tackle. Nsekhe is good, but he’s not an elite talent like Williams. Thus, he could greatly struggle with Miller and his plethora of pass rushing moves.
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On the other side of the ball, Morgan Moses is questionable for the game, but he will probably play. Still, if he’s on the field he won’t be 100 percent. So, Miller may head over there a few times and if not, his counterpart Shaquil Barrett will be able to get some heat on Kirk Cousins.
This has the makings for a potential disaster if the Redskins don’t prepare properly for this matchup. Jay Gruden has to give Nsekhe some help by putting tight ends over there and chipping Miller to ensure he can’t easily get to Cousins. Double teaming Miller could be an option two. At all costs, they have to keep Cousins clean if they want a chance to win. If he’s scrambling for his life, he won’t be able to find space in Denver’s tough secondary to complete long passes.