W2W4 New England Patriots vs Washington Redskins
By Hal Bent
When the Redskins Pass the Ball:
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Washington made the bold move of turning the offense to quarterback Kirk Cousins and demoting Robert Griffin III in the preseason. Cousins has a 68.7% completion rate with 1,737 yards passing and 9 touchdowns. However, he has thrown 8 picks and fumbled 3 times. The offensive line has been excellent in pass blocking allowing just 8 sacks in 7 games so far in 2015.
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The Redskins should get DeSean Jackson back from a week one hamstring injury to bolster the receiving group. Pierre Garcon and rookie Jamison Crowder have had to pick up the slack as veteran Andre Roberts has been a non-factor and Ryan Grant is average. Tight end Jordan Reed is second on the team in receptions with 35 catches for 350 yards. Garcon and Jackson are both capable of stretching the field and making big plays.
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Look for New England to continue their season-long strategy of having cornerback Malcolm Butler take one receiver and using their bracket technique of Logan Ryan and a safety helping on the other top wideout. The veteran Jackson would be a good test for Butler and Ryan and Devin McCourty should be able to slow down Garcon or Crowder on the other side.
Reed has size and athletic ability at tight end to be a factor at six-foot-three and 235 pounds and will see a lot of safety Patrick Chung and linebacker Jamie Collins in coverage. He had 11 receptions in his first game back from injury against Tampa Bay. Running back Chris Thompson is the top receiving back with 23 catches. He has been slowed by a back injury but should return this week.
ADVANTAGE: PATRIOTS
Next: When the Patriots Run the Ball