After last week's battle in Buffalo we got to hear everyone talk about how bad the Patriots offense is. This week I think the topics will be a combination of how the Patriots run up the score on inferior opponents and that the offense hasn't played against anybody yet.
HOW WASHINGTON WINS- Let me start off by explaining how the Redskins can beat the Patriots today. While I don't really believe the Skins have a snowball's chance, the Patriots have lost gimmes on the road recently. Since Washington doesn't have any coaching connections on their sidelines and the Fedex Field conditions actually appear good at this point in the season, their only chance revolves around a ton of luck.
Washington will need to turn any turnover opportunities into points immediately. If a ball is on the ground, they better try and pick it up and take it to the house because their offense isn't doing squat against our defense. When returning kicks and punts, if there are any punts, the Redskins need to try and run it back. If you need to hold a player or two in the process, just do it and hope that the referees let you get away with one or two. Pull out the bag of tricks and try to score first. While the Patriots defense isn't likely to bite, special teams might get caught for a first down if Tress Way gets involved in the passing game.
Washington will need to turn any turnover opportunities into points immediately. If a ball is on the ground, they better try and pick it up and take it to the house because their offense isn't doing squat against our defense. When returning kicks and punts, if there are any punts, the Redskins need to try and run it back. If you need to hold a player or two in the process, just do it and hope that the referees let you get away with one or two. Pull out the bag of tricks and try to score first. While the Patriots defense isn't likely to bite, special teams might get caught for a first down if Tress Way gets involved in the passing game.
HOW NEW ENGLAND WINS IN A BIG WAY- The Patriots should have an easy time putting up points today. Once allowing their opponents into the red zone, the Redskins roll out the red carpet for touchdowns. At home they have allowed touchdowns on 71.43% of red zone trips. They are also very kind to their opponents on 3rd downs as they have allowed for a 63% conversion rate. If the Patriots don't hurt themselves by turning the ball over, they should make it into the endzone on every possession.
PUNTER BATTLE- Both teams have stud punters. Unfortunately, with the way the offense is going to dominate the Redskins' defense, I don't anticipate getting to see a whole lot of Jake Bailey punts. Yes, we may get to see some kickoffs and possibly some points, but punts, probably not. This is Tress Way's 6th season punting for Washington. This season 8 of his 16 punts have been inside the 20 with an average of 52.3 yards per punt. Tress has been pretty solid with 140 of his 374 career punts being inside the 20. He doesn't get blocked often as he has had as many punts blocked as he has completions (2). All that being said, this could be a good day for Gunner Olszewski to break one. This pre-season Tress had 2 punts brought all the way back.
DEFENSIVE KEYS- With Colt McCoy in the lineup, the Patriots really don't need to worry too much about him running out of the pocket. This being his first game back after last season's gruesome injury, I think he'll be a bit skittish. The should probably be careful not to get any cheap penalties due to him bailing out right before he gets clobbered. Running back Chris Thompson is the main person the defense needs to keep shutdown. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is not likely to be too much of a threat today as he is still having hamstring issues and will be a gametime decision. Overall the Redskins have been very generous with handing the ball over to opponents this season. As a matter of fact they are tied for most with 7. Playing the Patriots this week is probably not going to help, as they have been catching opponents' passes as if they are the intended target. If Devin McCourty snags another one today he'll set the franchise record with most consecutive games with an interception (5). I'm predicting this will be a 5 interception game in more ways than one. Yes, Devin is going to grab one as is Kyle Van Noy.
OFFENSIVE KEYS- Finally getting some consistency with the offensive line and playing an opponent who gives up a lot of yardage on the ground, I think we may see some nice carries by Sony Michel. Maybe, just maybe, the Patriots will shut everyone up by getting him involved in the passing game a little too. With a little help from the running game and facing a team that we don't see very often, Brady is going to go off. Put him in those fantasy lineups if you get the chance. The only thing that might stop him from putting up astronomical numbers might be scores by the defense and special teams.
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