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Redskins Reality Check: Realistic predictions for the team in Week 2 vs. Colts

By Tim Payne

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins watches from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals 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: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins watches from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals 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: 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) /

5. Reality is, the pass protection for Alex Smith was suspect at points in Week 1.

Trent Williams looked a little rusty, Chase Roullier and Brandon Scherff seemed to miscommunicate several times, and Shawn Lauvao got positively obliterated at points.  Alex saved at least three sacks with savvy plays, took one intentional grounding that should have counted as a sack since his knee was down before he threw, and was sacked three times. That doesn’t bode well for games where the running and quick passing games aren’t clicking as completely as they were against Arizona.

This offensive line may be one of the best run-blocking lines in football when healthy, and they have the potential to be exceptional in pass protection, too.  But they didn’t show up particularly well in pass protection last week, and that needs to change.

I will be thrilled if Smith makes it through the game clean.  I will be disappointed with another 6-8 blown protection plays.

Prediction: Lauvao gives up a couple sacks, but the rest of the OL locks it down and keeps Alex upright the rest of the day.

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