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Redskins Reality Check: Realistic predictions for the team in Week 5 vs. Saints

By Tim Payne

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Jamison Crowder #80 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 10, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Jamison Crowder #80 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on December 10, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

4. Reality is, the Saints’ pass defense has not performed well so far this season.

In the first four weeks of the season, the Saints have struggled defensively. They gave up 48 to the Buccaneers in a week one in a loss. They then gave up 18 points to the Tyrod Taylor version of the Browns that couldn’t even move the ball against the Jets.

The following week, they gave up 37 points to the 1-3 Falcons, and last week, the offensively challenged Giants scored 18 on them. And while they managed to win 3 of these games, the combined records of the teams they beat is 3-8-1. Digging a little deeper, the Saints rank 30th in pass yards allowed per game, and first in rush yards allowed per attempt, so it’s clear the Redskins need to take advantage of that pass defense.

We should be happy to see the Redskins pass offense look effective and efficient against the Saints’ secondary. We should expect to see a continuation of what they were able to do in the air against the Cardinals and Packers in their two wins so far this season. We should be disappointed if this weak secondary is able to cover and bottle up the Redskins’ passing attack.

Prediction: The Redskins will move the ball efficiently against the Saints, and will include some new wrinkles coming off the bye week that serve to get Crowder, Richardson, and Doctson (if he’s active) open for Alex Smith, who will pass for over 300 yards. The Redskins will struggle to move the ball on the ground, though.

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