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Redskins vs. Panthers: 5 players to watch in Week 6 of 2018

By Jacob Camenker

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 9: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins runs during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 9: Tight end Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins runs during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Jordan Reed wasn’t targeted until more than halfway through the third quarter in the Redskins loss to the Saints. The team couldn’t get the ball to him or just didn’t look his way. It wasn’t a smart offensive game plan at all, and that needs to change moving forward.

The Panthers represent a solid chance for Reed to breakout. Their defense isn’t great over the middle, and while they have some solid linebacker, their safeties can be exposed. That should theoretically be a matchup that Reed can win. But, he has to be given the opportunity to produce.

After the dud in New Orleans, the Redskins offensive coaches should look to get the ball to Reed early and often. The “Feed Reed” strategy should be in full effect and rest assured they will target him at least a couple of times on the opening drive. That’s the way to get him involved and make him a matchup nightmare like he has been when healthy in the past.

Reed has to be given a chance to produce. And if he isn’t this week, then the squad will definitely need to re-evaluate their plans for him. Alex Smith loves throwing to his tight ends, and this is the matchup to start to make that happen. If Reed’s usage continues to decline, that will be a bad sign for an offense that is lacking upper-level weaponry.

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