Redskins vs. Eagles: Keys to victory in Week 1 of the 2019 NFL season
By Kyle Hundley
3. Redskins must keep the talented Eagles’ pass rush at bay
As talented as the Redskins’ defensive line is, the Philadelphia line might be just as good. Their rotation is just as deep too. Fletcher Cox is just a step below Aaron Donald and can absolutely wreck a game from the interior. Tim Jernigan is a proven veteran, and they also signed Malik Jackson during the offseason to help bolster an already solid interior.
The ‘Skins replaced the often injured Shawn Lauvao this offseason with Ereck Flowers, who has not looked good up to this point while he continues his transition to guard. Brandon Scherff had his season cut short last year, but is still among the best guards in the league while center Chase Roullier should be looking to take that next step this season. The interior must handle the rush and give Keenum a clean pocket in which to step up and throw.
On the edge, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, and Vinny Curry can all get after the quarterback. They can all collapse the pocket fast. It will be up to Donald Penn and Morgan Moses to keep those talented edge rushers off Keenum. If the Redskins line cannot hold up against the Eagles pass rush, they probably aren’t going to win the game because the offense won’t be able to sustain drives.