Redskins vs. Patriots: Keys to victory in Week 5 of the 2019 season
By Kyle Hundley
2. Redskins special teams must have an excellent game
Before the season, arguably the second-best unit on the Redskins was the special teams. They returned all three players on from an excellent 2018 unit, and there was no competition in camp for any of the spots.
The 2019 special teams have looked pretty good so far. Dustin Hopkins has only missed one kick. Tress Way is at again with a monster game against the Giants in which he pinned three of six kicks inside the 20 and had a 66-yarder. That said, it’s not a good thing when your punter has been the best player on your team.
The thing is the Patriots’ special teams is pretty good as well. They are led by their ace and arguably the best special teams player in the league, Matthew Slater. Slater has been to seven Pro Bowls and continues to produce at a high level as he scored his first career touchdown last week off a blocked punt.
One area of concern for the Patriots could be kicker as Stephen Gostowski went to IR. They’ve replaced him with veteran Mike Nugent who last kicked for the Raiders in 2018.
The Redskins’ special teams unit cannot have a bad game. Way, who figures to be very active in this game, must have another excellent game and pin New England deep. Steven Sims, who has looked good returning kicks, must set up Washington with good field position. Hopkins cannot leave any points on the board, and the team as a whole must limit what the New England unit does in the return game.