Redskins Game Day: How the team can beat the Colts in NFL Week 2

3. Execute a game plan similar to that of Week 1

In the first game of the season, the Redskins formula for success was simple. They ran the ball a lot, consistently moved the ball, and ate up time of possession. If they can do that again, they should win.

Particularly, the time of possession battle will be the thing to watch against the Colts. In the opener, the Redskins were able to hold the ball for a ridiculous 38 minutes. That was almost double the amount that the Cardinals held the ball. That’s a recipe for success, as that can wear down opposing defenses and make it hard for them to hold up late in the game.

The Colts have young, athletic talent, but it remains to be seen whether or not they’re conditioned to deal with that type of offensive attack. Their defense isn’t particularly built to handle big, strong running backs like Adrian Peterson, so if he can get going, the Redskins can really take their time in methodically moving the ball down the field.

The Redskins should definitely look to have an offense that dictates the tempo. And, the best way to contain Andrew Luck is to keep him off the field. So, if he’s only on the field for 22 minutes, like Sam Bradford and the Cardinals offense was in Week 1, then the Redskins will be doing their job well.

In short, the Redskins motto for this week should be simple. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. They had something good going in Week 1, so Jay Gruden should try to replicate that while also adding a couple of wrinkles to avoid making the offense too predictable.