5 players to watch in Redskins vs. Colts in NFL Week 2

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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals throws under pressure from defensive back Montae Nicholson #35 and linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Kerrigan was uncharacteristically quiet in the team’s 2018 opener. Against the Cardinals, Kerrigan played in 68 percent of the defensive snaps. However, he was unable to register anything on the stat line. This was certainly a surprise, especially considering that the Cardinals don’t have a strong offensive line.

In each of the past four seasons, Kerrigan has logged at least 9.5 sacks, and three times that number has been 11 or more. It’s hard to imagine seeing him have a major drop-off this year, and by the law of averages, Kerrigan should improve in Week 2.

Like the Cardinals, the Colts have made improvements to their offensive line this offseason. That said, they still have some weak spots. Currently, the Colts have questions at tackle, as Anthony Castonzo may not be fully healthy after missing Week 1 with a hamstring issue. That could give Kerrigan a chance to find some success, especially if Castonzo can’t play and the team is forced to start Le’Raven Clark or rookie Braden Smith at right tackle.

Even if Castonzo does play, Kerrigan has the skill set needed to beat up on him and his likely counterpart Joe Haeg. Kerrigan’s unique combination of strength and speed will make him difficult to fend off, so that could make this a nice matchup for him.

At the end of the day, players like Kerrigan rarely post back-to-back quiet weeks. In a second-straight solid matchup, Kerrigan should be ready to produce at a high level and reaffirm that he is still one of the league’s most underrated pass rushers.

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