Redskins At Rams Staff Picks: Keep Calm And Carry On

For the fourth straight year under Jay Gruden’s watch, the Redskins dropped their season opener. Perhaps the only good news is save for in a playoff matchup, Eagles fans will mercifully not be welcomed to FedEx Field until 2018.

The game was gut punch: Josh Doctson didn’t show up, Kirk Cousins led an anemic ground game in rushing, the "Hogs 2.0" offensive line looked like subway turnstiles, and the defensive front seven’s inability to bring down Carson Wentz in the pocket was their ultimate undoing. If you’re new ‘round these parts you may come to learn that some people have a tendency to react with strong emotions, both positively and negatively.

However, as hard as it may be perhaps this is the opportunity to be mindful of the hyperbole and to do something about it. Was the game a let down? Oh yes. Was the ending ruling by the officials suspect? Undoubtedly. Should the Redskins have ever allowed the game to get to that situation? Of course they shouldn’t have.

Are there still 15 more games to turn things around? There are.

A week one loss is not a harbinger of things to come, and the Redskins have an opportunity to right the ship, playing in Los Angeles for the first time since a 24-21 win in the Rams’ final game before they moved to St. Louis.

As for our predictions, well we did not do so hot either. Everyone picked the Redskins to win, and we are all winless.

Did we learn our lesson? Sure didn’t.

Bryan H. Stabbe (0-1): 27-21, Redskins
I picked that the Redskins would be better this year than they were last year. I’m not ready to give up on that prediction just yet. The Rams are a popular dark-horse pick in the NFC West this year, but I still can’t get on board with a QB who doesn’t know which direction the sun rises.

Tom Garrett (0-1): 27-24, Redskins
Make or break time.  Already.  If the offense struggles again and the Redskins lose --- in a game against their former OC --- the scrutiny will be intense, and the pressure will reach a breaking point.  I'm banking on desperation being a powerful motivator.  This is also a good "are they for real" test for the Rams after last week's blowout win over a Luck-less Colts squad.  I'm sure the 12,000 fans in attendance will be treated to an exciting contest.

Philip Hughes (0-1): 28-24, Redskins

Bill-in-Bangkok (0-1): 20-16, Redskins
I initially predicted a loss for the Redskins, but after re-watching the Eagles game I've shaken off the PTSD a bit.  The Redskins pass rush was all over Wentz, but he was shaking them off like a dog shaking off water.  Jared Goff won't be shaking off tacklers quite so easily.

Jamison Crowder isn't going to muff another punt, Tress Way isn't gonna shank another punt, and Terrelle Pryor is going to remember how to catch the football.

Then there's the 3-year history under Jay Gruden.  Three opening week losses -- twice followed by wins in Week 2.  That pattern becomes a trend this year.

I don't think the offense is ready to win this game, but I think the defense is.  This looks like a D that's gonna give up 20 points a game this season (versus 24 ppg in 2016) but the Rams used up their offensive mojo last week against the Colts. They score only a single touchdown, and Zuerlein triest to keep them in the game with long field goals.

That doesn't work for the Rams.  Both teams finish the day 1-1.

Cadillactica (0-1): 20-17, Redskins
The deciding factor here will be the DL getting the best of their OL by pressuring Goff and stopping Gurley. Kupp is going to be featured by the Rams. A late FG wins this for the Skins.

HogHunter (0-1): 27-17, Rams

Prove me wrong Redskins.

Now it’s your turn to give us your predictions. Vote for who you think will win the week 2 matchup against the Rams, add your pick to the comment section below, and share who you think will win and why.