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Five Redskins to watch in NFL Week 1 season opener vs. Eagles

By Jacob Camenker

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins takes selfies with fans at the conclusion of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 22: Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins takes selfies with fans at the conclusion of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: wide receiver Ishmael Hyman #16 of the Cleveland Browns fumbles while under pressure from cornerback Jimmy Moreland #25 of the Washington Redskins during the second half of a preseason game at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Redskins 30-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: wide receiver Ishmael Hyman #16 of the Cleveland Browns fumbles while under pressure from cornerback Jimmy Moreland #25 of the Washington Redskins during the second half of a preseason game at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Redskins 30-10. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

3. CB Jimmy Moreland

The Redskins have a deep group of role players at the cornerback position and when all are healthy, choosing one to sit on game day will be difficult.

However, we can almost guarantee that they’ll never consider sitting Moreland after what he did in the preseason.

The seventh-round rookie from James Madison was one of the Redskins’ stars during the four-game preseason. He was constantly making big tackles and finding ways to create turnovers. Against Cleveland, he forced two fumbles that helped the Redskins stay in the game until the Browns pulled away later.

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Moreland could step into a bigger role on Sunday afternoon than originally expected. Fabian Moreau is dealing with an ankle/foot injury and seems like a longshot to play in that contest. That said, a void at the slot corner position has opened up. And Moreland filled in for Moreau during the preseason, so he could be the next man up there.

Moreland’s first NFL game will be a chance for him to prove that he deserves a big role from the outset. He’ll get a good test going against former Eagles first-round pick Nelson Agholor in the slot. Agholor has given the Redskins trouble in the past, so if Moreland can keep him in check, that would be a good sign for him.

That said, Moreland wasn’t always perfect in coverage during his preseason action, so there could be growing pains for him as well. But even if there are, his ability to force turnovers could create some opportunities for Washington. And if he can do that, the team will certainly take it.

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