Redskins Week 2 Reality Checks: Here we go again

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins celebrates in the endzone after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

7. Reality Is: Jordan Reed is the key to this game.

If Jordan Reed plays in this game, there’s a real chance the Redskins can win. His presence takes the strength of the Cowboys’ defense – the inside linebackers – and forces them to cover instead of being able to key the run. If Reed is cleared to play, expect a heavy dose of single TE sets with Trey Quinn cracking down on the front side of run plays and chipping on the front side of pass plays, while Richardson and McLaurin try to take the top off and Reed patrols the middle of the field.

Since Vernon Davis‘ skill set is more that of an outside receiver, he doesn’t allow the offense to be as variable, and the Redskins’ hope will rest on the effectiveness of AP and their ability to create turnovers on defense. If Reed is active, the playbook opens up and Dallas’ secondary likely gets exposed.

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