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Redskins Reality Check: Realistic predictions for the team in Week 3 vs. Packers

By Tim Payne

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins reacts after scoring a four-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins reacts after scoring a four-yard touchdown during the second quarter 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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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins looks on against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Reality Is, the game plan and play calling won’t be THAT bad again.

Generally, I think Gruden does a good job game planning and calling plays to get his players in good positions to succeed. I also think the Redskins have had better plans and play calls defensively since Manusky has taken over. But against Indianapolis, they both got dramatically out-coached.

The Redskins offensive play calling was stubbornly aggressive, leaving Alex Smith with no choice but to check down against the very soft zones they were facing. Gruden failed to adjust in the first half, and in the second half, after making some adjustments, failed to stick with what was working until it was too late.

And on the defensive side of the ball, the Redskins played as if T.Y. Hilton wasn’t the only player who could beat them. Rather than doubling him and going after Luck with creative and varied blitzes, they sat back in a zone or “off” coverage most of the game, even though the front four couldn’t get any consistent pressure on Luck.

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Against Green Bay, I would love to see the defense take the game to Aaron Rodgers with a variety of blitzes and plays his receivers in press coverage. And I’ll be excited if the offense utilizes more jet-sweep and screens, along with the interior passing and running games. I’ll be disappointed if either side of the ball allows the Packers to dictate the flow and feel of the game the way the Colts did.

Prediction: The offense will move the ball more effectively and the game will come down to red zone effectiveness. They will mix in more intermediate passing and misdirection plays and will stick with the run more.  The defense will be aggressive and effective early, but largely be too conservative in key spots late and let Rodgers have too much time unhurried and unhit, but will force two turnovers.

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