W2W4 New England Patriots vs Washington Redskins
By Hal Bent
Summary & Game Score Prediction:
Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
The Redskins are a dangerous team which needs every advantage possible to pull an upset on an elite team like New England. The loss of Terrance Knighton in the middle of the run defense due to migraines is a huge loss for the Washington defense. The top three cornerbacks are banged up and are game time decisions after being limited all week. Top pass rusher Ryan Kerrigan and linebacker Keenan Robinson are both less than 100% as well.
Washington gets DeSean Jackson back, but whether he can make an impact in his first time back after being injured week one is yet to be seen. Center Kory Lichtensteiger has a neck injury and is questionable for the game. If Lichtensteiger does not play it could be a big game for disruption in the middle by young interior pass rushers Dominique Easley and Malcom Brown of the Patriots.
At 100% the Redskins defense would have trouble keeping up with Tom Brady and the New England offense. The banged up secondary in Washington looks like a huge liability in the passing game. Whether Washington can run the ball or contain the Patriots pass rush to give Kirk Cousins time to throw is a question mark as well.
The Patriots just have too much offense and too many playmakers on defense for the Redskins to slow the momentum on the road this week. Look for the Patriots to wear down the Washington defense and force Cousins into some game changing turnovers.