For Redskins, Saints provide the ultimate early season test
The Red Sea has parted early for the Redskins, as the NFC East has paved the way for the Redskins seat in first place.
In the NFL, you don’t have to be your best every single week. A lot of times, what makes successful NFL teams is the ability to take opportunities when they are presented to them. That is exactly what the Washington Redskins must do on Monday night.
While the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys struggle to find their rhythm, Alex Smith and crew have been handed a golden opportunity to take the driver’s seat in the early race for the division.
The Saints provide the ultimate early season test for the Redskins, who have both showed signs of incredible promise, as well as a Week 2 dud against the Colts. The Saints are the best offense Washington has faced so far this year, and the defense that stuffed Aaron Rodgers and the Packers two weeks ago will have to find a way to perform similarly again.
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The young tandem of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne and the young Washington secondary will have to find a way to slow down both Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, all the while looking to disrupt Drew Brees during his quest to re-write the history books.
The Saints defense is vulnerable, however. A team that ranked in the top ten of most categories a year ago is free falling deeper into the bottom half of defenses in the league. It is crucial for the Redskins offense to be sharp when their names are called.
Alex Smith needs to push the ball downfield. Without the services of Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson and Jamison Crowder become the pillars of the passing game. Look for recently signed free agent Michael Floyd to dress, as well as Maurice Harris to get some reps.
Adrian Peterson last season spent all but four weeks in New Orleans, but based on his time there, it looks like he’s ready to pound the team who dumped him a quarter way through their 2017 campaign. He will be vital to a successful offense. Look for No. 28 to make a difference.
On the defensive side, Michael Thomas is bound to cause problems. Josh Norman has had a slow start to his season by his own standards. If the Redskins secondary isn’t sharp, it could very well be a long night in the Superdome for the burgundy and gold.
Next. Redskins vs. Saints: 5 bold predictions for Monday night. dark
Washington sits at the top of the NFC East, thanks to the services of a putrid Giant’s offense, a slow starting Eagles team, and a Cowboys team that isn’t quite sure what it is. Washington needs to strike now. A lot has to go right for Washington to leave victorious against the Saints. But Jay Gruden has the tools in the drawer. Can the Redskins avenge their fourth quarter collapse of last year? We’ll have to find out at 8:15.