Previewing Washington Redskins vs. New York Jets in Week 2
By Ian Cummings
Redskins defense vs. Jets offense
The Redskins’ defensive backs outweigh the Jets’ receivers, in terms of quality. The linebackers match up well against the running back stable, a who’s who of underwhelming role players. But how the Redskins fare against the Jets’ offense will come down to the trenches. And the Redskins have them beat there as well.
The Jets’ offensive line is a below-average unit, even with the acquisition of former Redskins center Spencer Long in free agency. The Redskins’ defensive line flashed dominance in Week 1 without Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne; Matt Ioannidis was a one-man wrecking crew, and if Tim Settle keeps up his level of play, then Washington should continue to get a solid push up the middle.
The most obvious player of note on the Jets’ offense, and perhaps one of the only such players, in first-round rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold, a relatively raw quarterback, showed promise in his preseason debut, displaying accuracy and solid decision making skills.
Darnold is known to have a proverbial ‘wow’ gene; a penchant for incredible plays. In time, he’ll be able to elevate an undermanned Jets offense. Preseason Week 2, however, will be a bit too early. Washington’s defense, a unit with proven reliability and depth, should fare well against a Jets’ offense that lacks both.