Which Game Will Be Most Critical In The First Quarter Of The Redskins Season?

The First Quarter Opponents

Week 1: @ Arizona Cardinals

Week 2: Indianapolis Colts

Week 3: Green Bay Packers

Week 5: @ New Orleans Saints

No game for any NFL team is a walk in the park. For the Redskins the season will be difficult as they hit the field with a new but veteran QB, a rookie RB, a young secondary, and an improved defensive line. They will look to prove they can remain healthy as well of course. The Redskins have uncertainty at key positions such as LG, TE, and CB. Fans are rightfully optimistic about the team if they can overcome the injury bug but team chemistry is no sure thing for a team with so many new contributors at key positions. The first two games look like wins on paper if the team, namely the defense, comes out ready to rock and roll.

The Cardinals will likely be starting either Sam Bradford or Josh Rosen at QB but they will be supported by a healthy David Johnson and an ageless Larry Fitzgerald. On defense the Cardinals lost a key piece with Tyrann Matheiu leaving in free agency. The Cardinals still have some key veterans and Pro Bowl caliber players on defense though. They will be on the road but if the Redskins can control possession and keep the ball out of Johnson’s and Fitzgerald’s hands the path to victory should be clear.

The week after the Redskins face a Colts team that struggled all year last season without their franchise QB among other issues and shortcomings. A healthy Luck should make them more competitive offensively but without much threat on offense outside of Hilton and Doyle the Redskins should be able to contain their offensive attack and put up points against their defense that struggled mightily last season.

The Packer game in week 3 is the most critical in my opinion. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers the Packers are always contenders for an NFC divisional title. The Redskins defense will be tested early and often by Rodgers who can pull rabbits out of hats like no other NFL QB. Rodgers will have his old reliable staples in DeVante Adams who may be moving to the slot and Randall Cobb but the Packer receiving core could also has size/athleticism on the outside with Geronimo Allison or DeAngelo Yancey. Rodgers also has a new weapon in Jimmy Graham who could revitalize his recent lackluster career. The Packers also boast an improved defense specifically their depth on the defensive line. Their addition of Muhammad Wilkerson in the offseason solidifies a strong DL group. The Packers also invested heavily in their secondary during the draft with the additions of Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson who most likely will contribute their rookie seasons alongside Kevin King, Tramon Williams, Quinton Rollins, and HaHa Clinton-Dix. If the Redskins can will this game I think it will give them a much needed boost heading into the next matchup and give momentum to their season.

Some may think this matchup against the Saints will be the most critical of the first four games. The Saints did reach the divisional round last season, and this definitely is still a critical game but it’s one I don’t expect the Redskins to win. The Redskins will be coming off their BYE and hopefully will still be relatively healthy. Drew Brees is getting older but he is still dangerous as is the rest of the Saints offense. Defending Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, and Michael Thomas will put the entire Redskins defense to the test and they may not be able to contain so many weapons. The Saints defense is ok as well and the Redskins can not afford to come out and lull offensively in this game.

Which game do you guys and gals think will be most critical in the beginning of the Redskins season? What is the best possible record you think the team can after after these games? Do you think the Skins have any shot of being 4-0?