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Redskins: Why Sunday’s game against the Colts is a critical one

By Conor Forrest

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins takes the field for warmups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins takes the field for warmups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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The young and rebuilding Indianapolis Colts are susceptible, and the Redskins have the pieces in place to wake up Monday morning 2-0.

The Colts come to Landover, Maryland on Sunday afternoon without the services of star left tackle Anthony Castonzo, and as Andrew Luck plays only his second game since 2016, he will be doing so behind an inexperienced offensive line. While Luck is the face of the franchise in Indianapolis, the lack of weapons around him makes the ceiling for success this year that much lower.

The Colts by no means are a given win for Washington. After all, the Redskins have had quite a history of losses against a rather large collection of subpar teams.

Anytime Andrew Luck is healthy, the Colts are dangerous. Nonetheless, a lack of a successful running game and slim depth at receiver are only the beginning of the problems that face first-year coach Frank Reich and his squad.

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On the defensive side of the ball, proven veteran talent is few and far between. The biggest example came courtesy of the linebacking group. The Colts have six linebackers on their 53-man roster. Of those six, four of them are rookies, and three were starting members of the Colts Week 1 defense.

For the Redskins, Sunday will be another test. Washington’s victory over Arizona was the first Week 1 victory since 2012. The monkey is finally off the back of Jay Gruden and his crew. Now they have the chance to prove that they are capable of playing quality football with the wind in their sails.

This time next week, Aaron Rodgers and company are set for a showdown in FedEx Field, as the Packers and Redskins face off in what will be a true test of the burgundy and gold. Arriving at that crossroad at 2-0 would put this team in a position to make a huge statement against Green Bay. But it all starts with taking care of business against Indy.

With the schedule that the ‘Skins have, winning games is absolutely vital, especially against lesser teams. The margin for error in a 16-game season is razor thin, and the Redskins can strike while the iron is hot on Sunday afternoon. However, the question that has been on everyone’s mind this week remains: is this team for real this time?

Next. Realistic predictions for Redskins vs. Colts. dark

It’s only Week 2. There is a long season ahead, and It is important for the Redskins to take things step by step. Winning a season opener is most definitely a good start. Now, its time to win your home opener, a game against a very vulnerable team. It is another test in an early box-checking process for the Redskins, a process to truly show their fans that this year just may be different.

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