How Washington Football Team can beat the Eagles in Week 1

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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: Dustin Hopkins #3 of the Washington Football Team kicks the game winning field goal against the Detroit Lions during the second half at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Special teams units must play well

While the Washington Football Team generally struggled last season, one unit that excelled was their special teams unit. Tress Way had a Pro Bowl season. Dustin Hopkins was a solid 25 out of 30 on field goals. Undrafted rookie Steven Sims was a pleasant surprise in the return game (and on offense).

To beat the Eagles, they must pick up where they left off last season.

Tress Way must do his part in making sure Carson Wentz and the Philly offense routinely have long fields to work with. Sims doesn’t have to take one to the house (though that definitely would help), but he must help out his second-year quarterback and give him some short fields to work with.

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

Hopkins didn’t miss a kick against the Eagles last season, going 4-4 on field goals and 6-6 on PATs. He must be solid on kickoffs and continue his excellent play against them.

If the Washington special teams unit plays up to the level they are capable of and helps out the young offense, they will put themselves in a position to take this one.

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