Here is what you need to know on this Friday, September 8, two days before the Washington Redskins open their season against the Eagles at FedEx Field.
Timeline
Today’s schedule: Practice 12:15 pm; Jay Gruden and Matt Cavanaugh news conferences, open locker room after practice approx. 1:30 pm
Days since:
—Redskins’ last game (1/1) 250
Days until:
—Redskins @ Rams (9/17) 9
—Sunday night Raiders @ Redskins (9/24) 16
—Cowboys @ Redskins (10/29) 51
Five 2017 bold predictions
Josh Doctson will score at least 10 touchdowns—I went with this in our season predictions post we put up yesterday and I figure it’s worth repeating here. His ability to high point the ball will quickly make him Kirk Cousins’ favored red zone target.
The Redskins will be 3-1 going into their bye week—They can keep up their streak against the Eagles at home and then take the long trek to Los Angeles and slog out a win over Sean McVay’s Rams. They then manage an AFC West split by going 1-1 against the Raiders at FedEx Field and the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Both will be tough and the home win seems a little more likely
Junior Galette will post double-digit sacks—This means that he stays healthy and performs at a high level. The key will be to limit his snaps to passing situations, keep him fresh and out of harm’s way.
Kirk Cousins’ passing yardage will drop by 800—This is not necessarily a bad thing. It would be getting him back around his 2015 level of production. I don’t think he’ll be less efficient but if this happens will be because he will pass a lot less. Last year he threw 606 times for 4,917 yards. In 2015 it was 543 for 4,166. I think he was a better quarterback in 2015.
The Redskins will be in the top 10 in the NFL in rushing yards—If Cousins throws less they will run more. Based on last year’s numbers this would require the Redskins to rush for about 115 yards per game. They averaged about 106 per game last year so just a few more carries per game will get them there.
Stay up to date on the Redskins. Rich Tandler covers the team 365 days a year. Like his Facebook page Facebook.com/TandlerCSN and follow him on Twitter @Rich_TandlerCSN.
Tandler on Twitter
Gruden said that the current plan is to have Samaje Perine active on Sunday with Mack Brown inactive. #Redskins
— Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) September 7, 2017
In case you missed it
- What should the Redskins expect from the Eagles?
- Crowder added to injury list but don't panic
- 2017 predictions post
- Redskins key to success: Run early and late
- It’s wait and see on Cousins’ approach to preparation for the season
- Redskins seeking three straight winning seasons for first time in a long time