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5 bold predictions for Redskins vs. Bucs in NFL Week 10

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 27: Guard Jonathan Cooper #61 of the Arizona Cardinals on the sidelines during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Carindals defeated the 49ers 47-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 27: Guard Jonathan Cooper #61 of the Arizona Cardinals on the sidelines during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Carindals defeated the 49ers 47-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

5. Jonathan Cooper succeeds in first start with Redskins, allows no sacks

This is a tough prediction to make since offensive linemen don’t have a lot of stats that get attached to them. To spare us from having to go down the rabbit hole that is run block and pass block grades, I’m going to keep this simple. Cooper will find success in his first start with the Redskins.

Cooper has bounced around the league since being a top-10 pick of the Arizona Cardinals, but he does have some talent. He’ll never live up to the lofty billing he received in 2013, but that was one of the worst draft classes in NFL history. That doesn’t mean that he can’t be a serviceable starter.

Simply put, the Redskins need Cooper to be able to provide some stability on the line, and particularly, at left guard. Thankfully, Cooper was the starter for most of the year at that position for the Dallas Cowboys. Cooper fared relatively well in that role and though he may well have been the weakest link on that offensive line, it wasn’t for lack of effort. It was just that he was surrounded by other talented players.

All the Redskins need from Cooper is for him to help Chase Roullier and Ty Nsekhe keep the left side of the line relatively clean. He doesn’t need to be perfect, but if he can avoid allowing a sack and blast open a hole or two for Adrian Peterson to run through, the ‘Skins would be absolutely thrilled.

If any of the new recruits for Washington are going to find early success, Cooper is probably the best bet. While he may not end up having a perfect game, he should do well enough to help the team try to win. And at this point, that’s all you can ask. After all, he’s only been with the team for a few days, so a solid start would certainly exceed expectations. And that’s why this qualifies as a bold prediction.

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