Redskins vs. Eagles: Keys to victory in Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season

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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 22: Running back Derrius Guice #29 of the Washington Redskins has a laugh from the sidelines in the second half 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) /

1. Redskins must get Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson their touches

Trent Williams is not going to play week 1. However, things might change in the future. Without Williams, the team is going to have to stay committed to the run, and the offensive line must step up and keep grinding, even if they don’t have success early on against a very talented Eagles’ defensive line. It is important so they don’t become one-dimensional.

After missing all of last season, Derrius Guice saw his first action in the third preseason game and looked as if his ACL injury never happened. He looked decisive, explosive, and appears to be a big part of the Redskins’ offense this year. He had 11 carries for 44 yards against Atlanta in his preseason debut. Guice should look to get at least 11 carries this game, if not closer to 15.

With a healthy Guice, Adrian Peterson is not going to need to carry the team this year like last year. However, he is still going to need to get some touches to keep Guice fresh and provide a change of pace. With Guice now ahead of him on the depth chart, somewhere around eight carries is realistic for Peterson.

Staying committed to the run and getting them their carries will help wear down a stout Eagles’ front, and help take the pressure off of Case Keenum while controlling the clock.

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