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Redskins Reality Checks: Team has a lot on the line with Texans coming to town

By Tim Payne

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball for a nine yard gain during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball for a nine yard gain during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans makes a peace sign as he warms up on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans makes a peace sign as he warms up on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

3. Reality Is, Deshaun Watson is the first dual-threat quarterback the Redskins have faced this season.

Yes, the Redskins faced Aaron Rodgers, but he was playing on a bad knee. Yes, they played Andrew Luck and Ryan Fitzpatrick and Dak Prescott, who are all tough to get to the ground and who can hurt you with an occasional scramble. But none of those guys presents the big play threat on the ground that Watson does.

Watson averages almost 30 yards per game on the ground and is a threat to crack off a 20-yard run on every play. I’ll be watching to see if the Redskins have to have a plan to contain him and to get him to force him to throw in timing from the pocket, rather than allowing him to extend plays.

Prediction: Watson will rush for more than his season average and will only be sacked 3 times. The Redskins will give up at least one significant “escape” to Watson after he appears to be contained.

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4. Reality Is, the patchwork offensive line has a big challenge this week.

The offensive line held up admirably last week with three backups and a gimpy Morgan Moses in the lineup. It appears that they will start the same five this week, and will have the opportunity to build on last week’s performance. However, there isn’t really any comparison between Tampa Bay’s front seven and the elite unit the Texans bring into this game.

Both in pass protection and run blocking, the offensive line has their work cut out for them. I will be watching to see if Cooper can build on his debut last week and if the Redskins use him to pull in the run game. I’ll also be watching to see if Moses looks mobile enough to stay in front of Watt and Clowney.

Prediction: Cooper will turn some heads with another strong performance, and the unit as a whole will hold their own and avoid catastrophe. Still, the Texans will notch 3.0 sacks and keep the Redskins in third and long much of the afternoon.

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