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5 bold predictions for Redskins in 2017 finale vs. Giants

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Offensive tackle Donald Stephenson #71 of the Denver Broncos attempt to block outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins as he sacks quarterback Brock Osweiler #17 in the second half at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Offensive tackle Donald Stephenson #71 of the Denver Broncos attempt to block outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins as he sacks quarterback Brock Osweiler #17 in the second half at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 24: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 24: Wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

5. Josh Doctson records 100-plus receiving yards

It’s now or never for Josh Doctson. Well, at least for the 2017 season. In Doctson’s first full season as a member of the Redskins, the negatives have generally outweighed the positives.

While the second year man has had some nice downfield touchdown catches, he has been plagued by terrible drops all year, and he has let at least three touchdowns slip through his hands. His catch percentage, total catches divided by total targets, is a poor 45.6 percent, and in the game against the Broncos, it was a pitiful 15.4 percent. He’s yet to have a breakout game, and Sunday is his last chance to do that.

Fortunately for Doctson, the New York Giants defensive backfield isn’t looking particularly strong at the moment. Janoris Jenkins is on season ending IR and Landon Collins fractured his arm in the team’s Week 16 game. That wipes out the top two defensive backs. Additionally, Eli Apple was suspended for refusing to practice with the scout team and shouting at a coach. Thus, Dominqiue Rodgers-Cromartie, the team’s slot corner, is the only one of the starters remaining in the backfield, save for the average Darian Thompson.

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Because of this, it’s possible that Doctson will have a big day. He should have a height advantage against many of the Giants defensive backs and his athleticism is undeniable. This mix will allow him to move quickly and get upfield fast. Provided that the Redskins offensive line can protect Kirk Cousins long enough, Doctson should be able to get into open space a lot.

The big concern for Doctson will be ensuring that he catches everything that is thrown to him for next season. To allow the coaching staff to have confidence in him, he has to show sure hands and not commit a single drop. That should be more than doable against the weak Giants defense.

At the end of the day, expecting Doctson to put up 100 or more yards shouldn’t be a stretch. He has the ability to be a No. 1 receiver, but he just has to unlock it. Notching the first 100 yard game of his career would do a lot to help him take away a major positive from the end of the 2017 season.

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