14 EXPRESS 09.06.2019 WEEKEND redskins2019

Paul Richardson

Adrian Peterson Case Keenum Daron Payne

Jordan Reed Expect surprise in Week 1 battle with the Eagles

WASHINGTON POST, AP AND GETTY IMAGESEXPRESS ILLUSTRATION PERSPECTIVE SEASON PREVIEW  ANALYSIS The Redskins are 10-point underdogs in their opener Sunday at the Eagles (1 p.m., Fox), and most analysts predict Numbers show the way Washington will win only three to six games this season. There are not a lot of Redskins believers out there. None of the six Pro Football Talk prognosticators picked Washington to make the So what am I missing? playoffs. ESPN’s power rankings have the Redskins at No. 29 — ahead of only the Cardinals, Giants and Dolphins. And two of seven There have been plenty of experts at CBSSports.com predicted Washington would be the last team in the league to win a game. But if the Redskins reach these bad Redskins teams the past few decades, but this isn’t one of eight realistically attainable goals, they will prove all the doubters wrong and punch their ticket to the playoffs. JEFFREY TOMIK EXPRESS them. And they’ll show it Sunday by beating the Eagles 17 14. In fact, Washington has a puncher’s chance of making the playoffs if it stays healthy and its 110 2% 30 1,000 young receivers produce. Allow fewer than 110 rushing yards Keep Case Keenum’s Average more than 30 minutes per Find a 1,000-yard receiver: In 2018, Has anyone watched this per game: The Redskins used first- percentage under 2%: When the game in time of possession: For the Jordan Reed led the team with just defense? The line manned by round picks in 2017 and 2018 on journeyman led the Vikings to the Redskins to be successful, they will 558 yards receiving. The Redskins two first-round picks is one of defensive linemen NFC title game in 2017, he threw just need to replicate a run-oriented, didn’t really add any playmakers the NFL’s best. and Daron Payne, and now is the seven in 481 passing ball-control style that worked for this offseason, but if Reed and Paul has energized a secondary time for them to start dominating attempts (1.5% of his throws). Last parts of last season. In 2018, they Richardson are healthy, they are that even has cornerback Josh in the trenches. Last season, nine year with the Broncos, he set a were 5 3 when they won the time capable of reaching the 1,000-yard Norman, above, playing to his teams held their opponents to career high in passing yards (3,890), of possession battle (more than 30 mark. In 2018, all but four of 12 potential. At linebacker, Ryan fewer than 110 rushing yards per but he threw 15 picks and his minutes), and just 2 6 when they playoff teams had a player with Kerrigan is looking to eclipse game, and eight of them made interception rate rose to 2.6%. As lost it. Controlling the clock will keep 1,000 yards receiving, and the Rams Dexter Manley’s team record for the playoffs. a result, Denver went 6 10. their talented defense fresh. and Chiefs each had two. career sacks, and Montez Sweat is looming as the next big thing. Washington won’t reach 24 points too often this season because the offense is, well, who knows? The QB is on his fourth 50 30 42+ 10 team in four years, which says Rack up at least 50 sacks: In this Run the ball more than 30 times Get ’s net punting Rank in the top 10 in the league a lot. But running back Derrius pass-happy league, an effective per game: To control the clock, average higher than 42 yards: As in turnover ratio: High-scoring Guice is special. He can make this pass rush is essential. Four Washington needs to have success much as fans — and some coaches offenses can at times overcome makeshift offense work. defenses had at least 50 sacks last on the ground and be committed to — hate to admit it, special teams turnovers, but the Redskins are not The Redskins are overlooked, season, and those teams went a the run. In 2018, the Redskins were matter. Last year, six punters had a team that’s talented enough to afterthoughts before even the combined 41 21 2 (.656 winning 5 1 when they had at least 30 rushes. a net average higher than 42 yards make up for mistakes. Over the past first kickoff. percentage). The Redskins, who And they were 0 6 when they and five of them were on a playoff 20 years, Washington has ranked Ten points? Look for a surprise had 46 sacks last year, feature failed to reach 100 yards rushing. team. Way, who had a 41.5 net in the top 10 in the NFL in turnover Sunday that really shouldn’t be a a stout defensive line and two Their versatile backfield of Derrius average last year, is an elite punter ratio five times, including in 2018, shocker. The Redskins won’t be talented edge rushers in Ryan Guice, Adrian Peterson and Chris and is capable of influencing a and it made the playoffs in three of walked over this season. Kerrigan and rookie Montez Sweat. Thompson should be a strength. game by flipping field position. those seasons. RICK SNIDER FOR EXPRESS

Redskins TE Jordan Reed (concussion) takes part in some workouts but status for Sunday’s game uncertain Redskins CB Fabian Moreau (ankle) seems unlikely to play Sunday