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

5. Reality Is, Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder have been quieter than expected.

When the Redskins signed Alex Smith this offseason, if you’d told me Crowder and Reed would be healthy for the first two games and combine for 15 receptions for 143 yards and one score, I’d have told you that you forgot one of them in your tally.

Smith’s penchant for working the middle of the field and their prowess as route-runners with reliable hands seems like a match made in heaven. But so far, those guys have not been called upon with near the frequency I would have expected. If the offense doesn’t run through Reed on pretty much every possession, the Redskins are doing it wrong, in my opinion.

This week, it doesn’t appear the Packers have a player particularly cut out to guard either of these guys. It’s time for them to break out. I’d be happy to see them double their season production so far with a 15-150-1 line between them. I’ll be disappointed if either of them is held under five catches for 65 yards.

Prediction: Alex Smith and Jay Gruden are smart enough to make the adjustments and get these two the ball. Crowder gets 10 touches for 100 yards and a touchdown while Reed gets eight catches for 90 yards.