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Three keys to victory for the Washington Football Team vs. Cardinals in Week 2

By Jacob Troutman

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team runs with the ball in the second quarter against Jalen Mills #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team runs with the ball in the second quarter against Jalen Mills #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals runs after making a reception during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 24-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals runs after making a reception during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 24-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

1. Don’t let DeAndre Hopkins beat you

In Week 2, Washington needs to make sure DeAndre Hopkins does not beat them. And for a blueprint of how to accomplish that, just look at what Philadelphia did to Terry McLaurin.

The Eagles doubled McLaurin on most snaps and he wasn’t nearly as successful as he had been against Philly in 2019. McLaurin still got his (5 catches, 61 yards), but Philly didn’t allow McLaurin to beat them.

Washington needs to do the exact same thing to Hopkins. Hopkins should draw extra attention from Washington. They cannot let Hopkins have a repeat performance of Week 1.

If an aging Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, or Kenyan Drake beat you, then you have to tip your cap. But Plan A has to be to stop Hopkins at all costs. On almost every play, a linebacker, a safety, or both should be shaded over towards Hopkins.

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