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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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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 13: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 13: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

3. Establish the run

Following a rough Week 1 performance, Washington left tackle Geron Christian won’t get an easy matchup to rebound. He just so happens to be facing one of the league’s premier pass rushers, Chandler Jones.

Washington needs to get Haskins in rhythm earlier on in the game more effectively than they did in Week 1. A key to that will to prevent Jones and the rest of the defensive line from causing havoc in the backfield.

What is the best way to tame an elite pass rusher? Establish the run. The trio of Antonio Gibson, Peyton Barber, and J.D. McKissic was hyped up in training camp to be a focal point of the offense. None of the running backs really got going in the run game or in the passing game in Week 1. Barber had two touchdowns but averaged just 1.7 yards a carry.

Scott Turner will need to do a better job in Week 2 of establishing the run early. It may be time to unleash Antonio Gibson. Gibson showcased his burst on an 18-yard run against the Eagles but never got it going consistently against Philly.

Gibson needs to be given chances early and often. Washington will need to establish the run game to keep the Arizona defense honest. Like I have previously said, it is Antonio Gibson time for Washington.

Next. Washington vs. Cardinals preview, prediction for Week 2. dark

If Washington can accomplish these three things, they set themselves up well to beat Arizona and start the season 2-0. We’ll soon see if they can pull that off.

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