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Redskins vs. Colts: Week 2 offense and defense matchups, score prediction

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football after a reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Redskins defeated the Cardinals 24-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins runs with the football after a reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Redskins defeated the Cardinals 24-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 9: Cornerback Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins tackles tight end Ricky Seals-Jones #86 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 9: Cornerback Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins tackles tight end Ricky Seals-Jones #86 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Colts offense

The defensive side of the ball should be an advantage for the Redskins as well. While Andrew Luck is one of the better QBs in the NFL when healthy, the Colts just don’t have enough to break through and do much much against this defense.

The Colts offense is devoid of receiving weapons which will make it easy for the Redskins corners to match up with them. T.Y. Hilton and Ryan Grant are the top two guys for the Colts, and the duo of Josh Norman and Quinton Dunbar will have no trouble shutting those two down. Dunbar, in particular, proved that he has what it takes to be a starter last week, so Grant could have a really tough time finding room.

The one area where the Colts might have an advantage is at tight end. Though the ‘Skins were able to shut down Ricky Seals-Jones in the box score, the Cardinals tight end dropped a touchdown and was one of the few Cardinals who was able to get open on Sunday. The Colts have two tight ends in Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron that can create matchup problems and if they use any 2-TE sets, the Redskins may have some trouble stopping them.

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Because of this, the play of Mason Foster, Zach Brown, and Montae Nicholson will be key. These guys have to work to help in coverage on the tight ends and ensure that Doyle and Ebron are at least limited. If those guys can be limited, the Redskins will have an excellent chance to win this game.

Regarding the run game and offensive line, the Colts don’t have a lot in either category that will strike fear into Washington. Quenton Nelson has helped to strengthen the interior O-line, but the tackles are still an issue as long as Anthony Castonzo remains out. If he can’t return by Sunday, Ryan Kerrigan and company will have a chance to generate a very strong edge rush and that will put heat on Luck.

Furthermore, the run blocking may not be good enough against the ‘Skins elite defensive line to help the trio of Jordan Wilkins, Marlon Mack (if healthy), and Nyheim Hines to find any space. This area should be an easy win for the home team, especially considering how they fared against David Johnson in Week 1.

The Redskins should win the defensive battle. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the defensive identity is part of the team, so if they can do well and stop the Colts offense, they will be in good shape.

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