Redskins offensive line must set tone early versus Eagles in Week 1

The Redskins are slated to take on the Eagles on Sunday. With the Eagles favored to win the game, the Redskins offensive line must set the tone early if they have any hopes of pulling off an upset.

The Washington Redskins will finally get chance to redeem themselves after missing the playoffs yet again in 2018. First up, to begin the new year, is a date with the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

Even though the Redskins are clearly familiar with their NFC East division opponent, they haven’t had much success against them in the past four meetings between the two clubs. In fact, the Redskins are 0-4, and have been outscored by the Eagles 116-54 during that stretch.

Needless to say, they will be desperate to start the 2019 season off right with a win.  Per oddsmakers, the Eagles are favored by double digits in Sunday’s game.

The good news for the Redskins is that the game will be played on the field, and not in the many sports books across the country. Still, the question remains, what can the Redskins do on the field to have a chance to beat the rivaled Eagles for the first time since late in the 2016 season?

While the headliners for both teams will deservedly take center stage leading up to game day, the battle between the Redskins offensive line and the Eagles defensive line may likely decide the outcome of this key early season matchup.

Players expected to start along the offensive line for the Redskins includes RT Morgan Moses, RG Brandon Scherff, C Chase Roullier, LG Ereck Flowers, and LT Donald Penn.

Along with four-time Pro Bowl DT Fletcher Cox, the Eagles defensive front should consist of DT Malik Jackson, DE Derek Barnett, and DE Brandon Graham, among others.

The Redskins will most likely game plan for Cox in particular, considering he has arguably been one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL throughout his career when healthy.

Roullier, Scherff, and Moses will have to set the tone early, considering the notable challenges faced by Flowers and Penn. Both Flowers and Penn have plenty of NFL experience, but both will be starting next to each other for the first time in a regular season game setting. Offensive linemen typically need to build cohesion with each other in order to operate effectively.

Expect Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to regularly test the entire offensive line with exotic blitzes and stunts. To deter any issues, the offensive line should focus on communication and technique to eliminate the potential of negative plays against them.

With Case Keenum expected to get his first official start for the Redskins at quarterback, the team would be wise to feed their talented stable of running backs just enough to tire out the Eagles defensive line. A tired Eagles defensive line will ultimately help the Redskins on passing downs.

If Keenum is not consistently being harassed on passing plays by Cox and company, it should help the veteran signal caller avoid negative plays and costly turnovers.

A win for the burgundy and gold in Week 1 may be hard to come by, but don’t count them out just yet. For the offensive line, a solid performance in the first game may lead to increased confidence in a long and grueling season. Either way, let’s get ready for some football!