Three keys to victory for the Washington Football Team vs. Browns in Week 3
3. Win the turnover battle
In Week 2, a problem for Washington became very evident. To be competitive they cannot commit turnovers. Not only that, but they must force turnovers on defense. You cannot have a repeat performance of getting a turnover and then turning it over right back.
Washington has to win the turnover battle. At some point in the game, Washington will struggle to string together drives. To mitigate the effect of their struggles, turnovers will be needed to set up the Washington offense for success. When they get their opportunities, Washington has to capitalize on them.
Avoiding turnovers is not just an offensive key; it’s the same for the special teams unit. Steven Sims, if he still is the punt returner, has to protect the ball. The most important job for him in the return game is to take care of the ball. Haskins has to continue his trend of protecting the ball and the offensive line cannot allow defenders in the backfield to force a quarterback fumble.
Protect the ball. Force turnovers on defense. It may be the biggest key of all. With an offense that is in the middle of a long slog with minimal star talent, turnovers are crucial. Win the turnover battle.
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If Washington stops the run, feeds Terry McLaurin early and often and wins the turnover battle, it sets themselves up well for a Week 3 win. We’ll see soon enough if they can achieve those three things and earn the W.