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Five bold predictions for Washington Football Team vs. Eagles in Week 1

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a catch against the Detroit Lions during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 24: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a catch against the Detroit Lions during the first half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 20: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team intercepts a pass during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 9-0. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 20: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team intercepts a pass during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 9-0. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

5. Troy Apke logs a pick and a TD-saving tackle on DeSean Jackson

One of the biggest stories of Washington’s offseason has been the progression of Troy Apke. The third-year safety has improved greatly under new coaching and his athletic upside is apparently being realized.

Fans still don’t quite trust Apke yet, as they haven’t seen the new and improved athlete in action. But he could change their minds on Sunday.

The one area that the Eagles have a hypothetical advantage on Washington’s defense is in the secondary. With Kendall Fuller doubtful, Washington will be relying on Ronald Darby, Jimmy Moreland, and Fabian Moreau in big roles. They have upside, but they may not have the speed to keep up with the Eagles’ top receivers.

light. Related Story. How Washington's rebuild parallels the Rams rise to success

DeSean Jackson and Jalen Reagor are speedsters. They could cause problems if Carson Wentz isn’t under enough pressure. It will be up to Apke, the fastest player in the secondary, to keep pace with them and make some big plays.

Apke should have a chance to log a pick on a deep play, as Wentz could under-estimate Apke’s speed if he’s playing over the top. And at some point in the game, expect Apke to run down Jackson on a deep catch. He’ll bring down Jackson as the last line of defense and give the coaching staff confidence that he can keep the game in it playing deep.

This stat-line isn’t crazy-bold, but the specific prediction of tackling Jackson as the last line of defense is a rather-specific play. But don’t worry. As we go along, we’ll get bolder.

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