Time just seems to fly, doesn't it? Here we are again; the regular season is on the horizon. A new season breeds new hope for football fans, so what can be expected from the 2014 Washington Redskins? The ultimate goal of every NFL franchise is to win a Super Bowl. Whether critics want to believe it or not, this is a highly underrated team and they may surprise this season. If RG3 proves he can be an effective drop back Quarterback in Jay Gruden's system, they could make a deep run in the playoffs and maybe even get to the big game in February. The offense has loads of weapons, and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has a stable of premier pass rushers at his disposal. The Special Teams unit has also been revamped and looks improved from last year. Don't count this team out in 2014.
It's exciting to look ahead at the whole schedule and try to predict every game of the season, but let's face it; those results just wouldn't be accurate. It is best to take things one step at a time because, as previously mentioned, a lot of things can change in one season. There is no way of foreseeing a key injury, suspension, or trade during the regular season, which is why this method works best. Today, we will be looking at how the Redskins match up with the Houston Texans, a team that held the worst record in the NFL in 2013 (2-14).
Preview
These were the two worst teams in the NFL last year. Just a year before that, both teams actually made the playoffs! So, who are the real Redskins, and who are the real Texans? Both teams have their fair share of weaknesses. The Redskins have a lot of questions surrounding the secondary, and the Texans have a messy Quarterback situation. Veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick holds the reigns to the Texans offense. The Redskins defense must be licking their chops. This is the perfect opportunity for them to make some plays and prove doubters wrong. Keep in mind that Houston still possesses dangerous threats such as Running Back Arian Foster and Wide Receiver Andre Johnson. Also take this into account; Arian Foster didn't play the entire preseason, so he will be a bit raw to start out. Andre Johnson is on the wrong side of 30, and DeAngelo Hall has covered top receivers like Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, and Demaryius Thomas. Handling them will be challenging, but manageable.
Keys To The Game
- Shutting down Arian Foster: This is the single most important thing for Washington on Sunday. If the front seven can dominate the trenches and take away the run game, it will force the Texans to turn to the passing game. Again, Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't likely to shred Washington through the air, so this is a favorable outcome.
- Protecting Robert Griffin III: Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt. That is one scary combination. It will be hard to keep them away from RG3 for an extended period of time, so expect to see a lot of quick throws. Luckily, the Redskins have one of the best Left Tackles in the league, Trent Williams, so he will be a formidable opponent against Clowney. Washington will have to double team Watt if they want to keep Griffin's jersey clean.
- Get the running game going: If anyone is consistent in the Redskins offense, it's Alfred Morris. Washington can tire the Texans out by running it right at them, then hit them with some long pass plays.
Prediction
The Texans have a good defense, but the stability on offense just isn't there. The Redskins have more of a complete package and more talent across the boards. This will result in a Redskins win.
Redskins 24 - Texans 10
