Redskins vs. Patriots: Keys to victory in Week 5 of the 2019 season

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Tress Way #5 of the Washington Redskins punts against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Tress Way #5 of the Washington Redskins punts against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys gets tackled by Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys gets tackled by Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

3. Redskins must score points off turnovers, not just create them

One thing that the Redskins did well against rookie quarterback Daniel Jones was force turnovers. They caused two fumbles and Quinton Dunbar intercepted Jones twice. The only problem was off of those four turnovers the Redskins only scored three points. The Giants, on the other hand, scored 14 points off Washington turnovers. Creating turnovers is a huge part of the game, but you have to score off them.

The Patriots do an excellent job of protecting the football. Brady has only thrown one interception on the season and it came last week against the Bills. They don’t put the ball on the ground much as a team either; Sony Michel had one in Week 2, Julian Edelman fumbled last week but didn’t lose it, and Gunner Olszewski muffed a punt against the Jets.

If the Redskins are going to keep it competitive, they must force the Patriots into some uncharacteristic turnovers. Then they are going to have to put points on the board. Taking the ball away doesn’t do a whole lot of good when you just give it right back to them. Make them pay for being careless. Realistically, the Redskins are going to need at least two touchdowns off of turnovers to keep this competitive.