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Redskins vs. Bears: Keys to victory in Week 3 of the NFL season

By Kyle Hundley

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 14: Cornerback Josh Norman #24 and cornerback Fabian Moreau #31 of the Washington Redskins react after a play in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 14: Cornerback Josh Norman #24 and cornerback Fabian Moreau #31 of the Washington Redskins react after a play in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 15: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedExField on September 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 15: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedExField on September 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

1. Redskins must avoid abandoning the run too early

With Adrian Peterson starting in place of the injured Derrius Guice, there was at least an early commitment to the running game by Washington, though it wasn’t a strong one.

Peterson did not have much success against the talented Cowboys’ front seven, but he is a back who gets better with more touches. When Dallas scored to make it 21-7 with about 10 minutes left in the third quarter, still a good amount of football, Jay Gruden completely abandoned the run.

While they did respond to make it 21-14, Peterson and Chris Thompson only had one carry each on the subsequential scoring drive, then one more each the rest of the game. Peterson finished with just 10 carries for 25 yards. Steven Sims, the undrafted, talented rookie out of Kansas had three carries for 16 yards. He should be looking to get a few more carries this game as he adds an exciting new wrinkle to the offense.

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The Bears have arguably the most talented defense in the league as they return four Pro Bowlers from a season ago that only gave up 17.7 points per game. They were also the best defense in the league against the run.

It’s not going to be easy to run the ball, but the Redskins must stay committed to it. Peterson must have at least 15 carries this game while Sims and Chris Thompson should combine for about 10 total.

If the ‘Skins are going to control this game, it starts with controlling the line of scrimmage. If Washington gives up on the run too early and the offense becomes one-dimensional, it’s going to tough to throw the ball against the ball-hawk secondary the Bears have.

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