Monday nights have not been kind to the Redskins during the Dan Snyder era. Let’s hope this one goes better than the other ones have.
Coming off a second straight disappointing loss, this time to the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Redskins now find themselves at 0-2 and in what appears to be a must-win game already as they welcome the Chicago Bears to FedEx Field.
The Redskins played a decent first half against Dallas, but once again came out flat in the second half.
The Bears are 1-1, but could easily be 0-2 after a questionable finish against the Denver Broncos. Coming off a win, they are now looking to build some momentum. Monday night games have not been kind to the ‘Skins or Jay Gruden as he is 1-8 in them. Looks like someone does have a case of the Mondays (for anyone who loves the movie Office Space as I do).
Gruden’s lone on Monday Night Football came in 2014 against the Cowboys. Colt McCoy started in that affair and they managed to earn the victory.
If the Redskins want to get back 1-2 and get some momentum before traveling to the Meadowlands for another divisional game against the Giants, they must first take care of the Chicago Bears. Here are five keys to victory for them on Monday night.
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.
2. Redskins must get better play from their secondary
After getting torched by potential MVP candidate Carson Wentz in week 1, the Redskins’ secondary could not stop Dak Prescott as he went 26-of-30 with three touchdowns.
While injuries have played a factor, the secondary as a whole has not looked great through the first two weeks. They will be a factor again this week as Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie went to IR while Fabian Moreau and Quinton Dunbar were both out last week and continue to battle injuries. Those who do suit up must play better. It will be interesting to see how the recently signed Aaron Colvin looks if he plays.
The Bears’ offense has looked almost as bad as the Redskins’ defense has through the first two weeks as they are averaging only 9.5 points per game. Mitchell Trubisky has struggled through the first two weeks as he only has 348 yards passing with no touchdowns and one interception. Chicago has a solid offensive line in front of him, so the Redskins’ pass rush could help out the secondary by generating good pressure on Trubisky.
The Redskins cannot let Mitch Trubisky beat them. He is just in his third season and still developing as a quarterback after a solid sophomore season. These are the games that you must win against a young quarterback though.
Josh Norman should be looking to have a bounce-back game against the young signal-caller while Montae Nicholson should again be looking for opportunities to make a play. If Trubisky breaks out and has a big game, Washington will likely drop their second straight at home.
3. Redskins must limit Khalil Mack’s impact on the game
When you talk about generational talents, Khalil Mack is one of them. One of the few defenders in the league who can legitimately take over a game by himself, Mack is borderline unblockable. A first-team all-pro, Mack is going to need to be game-planned around to make sure he doesn’t steal the show on Monday Night.
Keeping a second tight end or a back in to help double him is one way. Quick pass plays to minimize his pass rush abilities is another.
Jeremy Sprinkle and Vernon Davis are both capable blockers and will need to help the offensive line keep Case Keenum upright. Washington has been better than expected so far in pass protection, but not perfect by any stretch.
The Redskins offensive line has not played well up to this point, which is worrisome when playing arguably the best defensive player (and defense) in the league. Washington is without their best offensive lineman, Trent Williams. Donald Penn has played well up to this point, but Morgan Moses has not. He must play better.
What the Redskins cannot do is let Mack take over this game. Mack is going to make some plays, he’s too good not to. But, if he fills the stat sheet and has a big game, the Redskins will have trouble scoring, and winning.
4. Redskins must keep David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen under 100 yards rushing
For the second week in a row, the Redskins’ run defense looked terrible. Ezekiel Elliot had his way again against Washington, as he finished with 111 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Allen’s loss has been noticeable. There’s no denying that.
Allen hopes to play Monday and would give the front some much-needed help. But the unit as a whole must play better, with or without him.
The Bears’ passing game has also struggled, so they figure to lean heavily on their running game. They did the previous game as solid rookie David Montgomery had 18 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown while All-Pro returner Tarik Cohen added 18 yards on four carries. Not impressive numbers, but enough to keep balance on offense.
The Redskins must keep these two talented backs contained. Daron Payne had a good game against Dallas. He must have another as he continues to build on his solid rookie season. While Montez Sweat hasn’t gotten a sack yet, he has played the run hard. Cole Holcomb must be there to finish anything that gets to the second level. If they don’t and allow the Bears to stay ahead of the chains and work play action in to help the struggling Trubisky, the Redskins’ defense is going to be in for another tough outing.
5. Redskins must cut down on the penalties
Make no mistake about it, penalties have killed the Redskins so far this season. There were 12 of them for 96 yards against the Eagles. They were somewhat better against Dallas with six for 44 yards. All the penalties have routinely set the Washington offense back or kept the defense on the field.
Brandon Scherff got called for holding twice against Dallas. Donald Penn has three penalties on the season. As a team, Washington already has been flagged for holding eight times among their 18 infractions. This team is not good enough to routinely dig themselves out of first and 20. But it’s not just the offense committing penalties.
The Redskins’ defense had a chance to hold Dallas to a field goal before halftime. Jimmy Moreland got flagged for defensive holding on a critical third-down stop only to watch Jason Witten catch a touchdown the very next play and steal all the momentum before the half.
Those kinds of things can’t happen this game. If the Redskins can keep the penalties down and avoid backbreaking penalties, they will put themselves in a great spot to finally win a Monday night game.