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Redskins: Five players to watch in Week 2 vs. the Cowboys

By Ian Cummings

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Football Team scores a touchdown against Nate Stupar #57 of the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 28: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Football Team scores a touchdown against Nate Stupar #57 of the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Terrell McClain #97, Matthew Ioannidis #98 and Stacy McGee #92 of the Washington Redskins wait in the tunnel before taking the field to play against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Terrell McClain #97, Matthew Ioannidis #98 and Stacy McGee #92 of the Washington Redskins wait in the tunnel before taking the field to play against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 5 – Redskins DL Matt Ioannidis

Jonathan Allen’s injury comes at an inopportune time, as the Dallas Cowboys *still* have one of the better interior lines, and one of the best overall offensive lines, in the NFL. Allen is the Redskins most multi-faceted defensive lineman, and his impact is notable, from both a skill standpoint and a depth standpoint.

Daron Payne should be able to pick up the pace as he gets in a groove in his second season, but one man alone can’t make a formidable unit. That’s why the pressure is on Matt Ioannidis to come ready to compete this time around.

Ioannidis was on the field in Allen’s place for much of the team’s season opener, and the pass rush specialist didn’t cause as much trouble as he was given an extension to cause. He was moved fairly easily by run blockers, and penetration in the passing game proved to be an inconsistent asset.

Against the Cowboys, Ioannidis will need to put together a more complete showing if the Redskins pass rush is going to take shape this season. They’re already off to a slow start.

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