Patriots – Redskins, Who Has the Razor’s Edge? Key Matchups

Redskins RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Washington
The Redskins haven’t been running the ball effectively and it starts with their offensive line. They just haven’t been getting enough push and opening up holes for Alfred Morris and Matt Jones.

Morris had 121 yards in Week 1 and the Skins had 300 yards rushing in their first two games. Since then, Morris has only gained 181 yards since his big season opening game. They’ll need the big men up front to open some holes to take the pressure off of Cousins and the passing game. They’ve only run for 135 yards total in their last three games.

The Patriots front seven has really improved the past two weeks against both the Jets and the Dolphins, two teams that run the football very well. The front seven especially the defensive line was able to stand stout at the point of attack and stuff the backs before they could get to the second level. Getting Dont’a Hightower back was a huge boost for the defense, and he’s been outstanding.

Redskins WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
In the Redskins West Coast passing scheme, Cousins has leaned heavily on WR Pierre Garcon to move the chains and be his go-to guy. TE Jordan Richards is emerging as a reliable receiver who can pile yards after the catch. This week they may get the talented but volatile DeSean Jackson back. He should help them stretch the field.

The Patriots secondary hasn’t been great, but they’re improving and are playing with a lot of confidence especially the safeties, Devin McCourty, Pat Chung and Duron Harmon. The pass rush has generated 26 sacks but is facing an OL that has only given up eight.

If Jackson can’t go this week, the Patriots should stack the line of scrimmage and be aggressive and force Cousins to take shots down the field by taking away everything underneath. He’s been prone to several mistakes and has thrown eight picks on the season. Force the issue this week and that number could go up.

Special Teams- Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots have arguably the most solid tandem of kickers in the NFL. Stephen Gostkowski hasn’t missed a kick all season and Ryan Allen has been very adept at pinning opponents deep in their territory. He has a 46.0 yard punting average with a 42.8 yard net average. The Patriots coverage units are solid although they did give up a big return to Jarvis Landry last week….something Bill Belichick must have played over and over during film sessions this week.

The Redskins have kicker Dustin Hopkins who has hit on 12 of 13 field goals this season as well as Tress Way who is averaging 44.9 yards per punt this season. Rashad Ross is a dangerous kick returner averaging 26.1 yards per kick and has a 101 yard return against the Giants. The Skins weakness is their punt coverage where they’re allowing 15.1 yards per punt return. Against Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman, that will be an area that the Patriots look to exploit.

Next up, our prediction on who wins and why…

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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