Redskins vs. Giants, part two: 5 Keys to Victory in Week 14
By Kyle Hundley
No. 1 – Redskins must find a way to get some production from Mark Sanchez
A few weeks ago Mark Sanchez wasn’t even on the Redskins’ roster. Now, he’s their starting quarterback.
In his first action since some spot duty in 2016, Sanchez made a few nice throws against the Eagles. He displayed some athleticism getting outside of the pocket and showed he still has a solid arm. Considering he got thrust into starting duty after having two weeks to learn the system, he did about as good as someone could ask for given the circumstances.
The big ‘restaurant menu’ of plays that Jay Gruden carries on the sideline has to be simplified going forward. It is up to him to find some plays to fit the strengths of what Sanchez can do as a passer. He took the New York Jets to two AFC Championship games by doing a lot of what he’s going to need to do this game—rely on the running game, take what the defense gives him, and not turn the ball over by trying to win it by himself.
One of the most significant issues Sanchez will face as he gets acclimated on the fly is communication. The team must avoid the pre-snap penalties that can happen while the offensive line is still getting used to a new cadence from the quarterback. They must stay on schedule and get manageable down and distance, so they can mix in some play action passes.
The Giants will now be without their best defensive player Landon Collins, who is now on injured reserve, so there is an opportunity to attack the secondary. If the interior can hold up and give Sanchez time, he will be able to make some plays.