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Redskins vs. Dolphins: Previewing Bill Callahan’s head coach debut, matchups to watch, more

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 06: Montae Nicholson #35 is congratulated by his teammate Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins after his interception against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in the game at FedExField on October 06, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 06: Montae Nicholson #35 is congratulated by his teammate Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins after his interception against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in the game at FedExField on October 06, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 22: Quarterback Case Keenum #8 of the Washington Redskins passes in the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 22: Quarterback Case Keenum #8 of the Washington Redskins passes in the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Redskins offense vs. Dolphins defense

The Redskins don’t have the best offense, but they have one that should surely compete with the Miami Dolphins defense.

This week, it seems that the Redskins are settling on Case Keenum as their starter at quarterback. Keenum played well in the first two games of the season, albeit with some key deep-ball misses, but then struggled in the next two games while dealing with a foot injury. Though he hasn’t been consistent this year, the veteran should be in fine shape against a mostly talentless Miami defense.

On the defensive side of the ball in Miami, there are only a handful of threatening players. Cornerback Xavien Howard is very good, but he hasn’t played as well as usual this season. He may be mailing it in a bit as part of a losing team. Elsewhere, rookie first-round pick Christian Wilkins and long-time starting safety Reshad Jones are solid, but there simply isn’t much else that the defense has to offer.

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The Redskins should be able to take advantage of this defense with their aerial attack. Terry McLaurin vs. Howard should be an interesting matchup to watch. Despite Howard’s talent, McLaurin has the edge here. The third-round rookie held his own in a very difficult matchup with Stephon Gilmore last week and should have a chance to beat Howard, especially if the former Baylor product isn’t giving it his all.

Elsewhere, Trey Quinn and Paul Richardson should be in favorable matchups against Johnson Bademosi and Eric Rowe respectively. Rowe may struggle with Richardson’s speed, so perhaps he could catch a deep touchdown in this contest.

As for the run game, the Redskins have the advantage there too. Brandon Scherff seems likely to return this week after missing a couple of games, so that should do a lot to strengthen the interior of their offensive line. They’ll focus on pushing Wilkins out of the way to open up holes for Adrian Peterson.

Callahan has stated that he wants to get the ground game going more, so Peterson could be fed early and often. And that may result in 20-plus touches and what should end up being his best game of the season by far. Chris Thompson will also be involved in the offense and could see a lot of action as a pass catcher depending on how Callahan and Kevin O’Connell want to utilize him on offense.

The Dolphins defense simply doesn’t have the talent to matchup with Washington’s offense. They’re a makeshift unit that will only be able to play well if they can force Keenum into some critical mistakes. Fortunately for the ‘Skins, the Dolphins don’t have the pass rush or elite secondary players to be able to do that often.

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