Washington Redskins week-by-week season prediction
By Ian Cummings
Week 2 – Redskins vs. Colts
People are so quick to write off the Colts this season. Yes, they still have a bit more rebuilding to do. But the Ryan Grigson days are far behind them. And Andrew Luck is close to returning at quarterback.
Jacoby Brissett is an able backup for Luck, but few quarterbacks can truly replace the former No. 1 overall pick. Luck brings an immediate competence and a sense of excitement to the Colts’ offense, and behind a rebuilt offensive line, he’ll have more time to work his magic without signing a waiver.
The defense, although on its way, doesn’t have an Andrew Luck; a player who makes all those around him better. The defensive line is very much an unknown, with relatively low upside. Four of the team’s six linebackers are rookies, one of which is an undrafted free agent (two more were drafted in the seventh round).
The Colts’ defensive issues extend to the secondary as well. There are some quality starters, such as Nate Hairston and Malik Hooker, and other players with promising potential, such as Quincy Wilson. The Colts’ defense has potential. Long-term potential. They won’t have everything figured out by Week 2 of 2018.
With the Colts still gelling, the Redskins will be able to capitalize and win their home opener of 2018. The offense will shake off any rust revealed in Week 1, and although Luck will have some success against the Redskins’ secondary, Washington’s experience on defense, compared to the very raw nature of the Colts’ current cast, will be the deciding factor.