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

The Second Quarter Opponents

Week 6: Carolina Panthers

Week 7: Dallas Cowboys

Week 8: @ New York Giants

Week 9: Atlanta Falcons

Despite the poll results the comments in the first of these series of articles let me know that a good number of fans actually think the opener against the Cardinals is the most critical game in the first quarter of the season. Several great reasons were given including Jay Gruden reaching a milestone and actually winning a season opener as a head coach by have the team prepared to rock and roll. In tandem with that is the players ready to roll and executing right off the bat once the season opens. A win in week one ought to give the team momentum during the first quarter of the season to prepare them for the ‘tougher’ matchups against Green Bay (which I still think would be a statement win) and New Orleans. In the second quarter of the season things don’t get any easier for the Redskins.

The team will host the Carolina Panthers who they last beat in 2006 (yes, really). It’s no secret that Cam Newton is far from his 2015 form but he is still a QB that can take advantage of a defense through the air and on the ground. Whether the Redskins are 0-4 or 4-0 they can’t afford to lull here either as two divisional matchups await them after. On offense the Panthers will likely try and feature Christian McCaffery more than they did his rookie season. The Panthers also have some threats at WR outside of Funchess and Torrey Smith with rookie D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel who both may be in the mix in the slot. Not to mention the Panthers still have Greg Olson who is still dangerous when healthy. The Panthers still have a formidable front seven. Thanks in large part to that unit the Panthers defense was tops 1 in rushing defense last season and they ought to provide a tough test to Derrius Guice and company.

One of the BTB writers called Redskins fans delusional for the response in the polls in Bill’s ranking the NFCE series. To that I say, “maybe” but it really is no secret that the Dallas offense will really have to make leaps forward to garner the respect and status their fans seem to think they deserve. Maybe that starts with Zeke getting in shape.

Jokes aside the Cowboys do have the Redskins number historically with the rivalry standing at 70-44-2 in Dallas’ favor. The last time the Redskins beat Dallas was in 2016 with Alfred Morris rushing for 100 yards and Cousins and McCoy abusing the Dallas defense and going up against Kellen Moore on the other side. Dallas has also been using the draft and other methods to get young talent onto their roster. Take a quick look at their depth chart and you’ll see they have a lot of young players and rookies coming up the pipeline. That being said this is a good year that the Redskins can try to get one back to even the series. The result of the rivalry game against Dallas is easily the most pumped or depressed I get about any sporting event year round. The Redskins have the talent and experience to exploit the Dallas defense specifically the secondary and the defense should be improved enough to contain Elliott and put pressure on Prescott and defend the Dallas receivers. I wouldn’t be surprised if you guys went for this one being the most critical to win in the second quarter of the season.

There is no rest for the weary. The Redskins will have back to back divisional matchups in the second quarter of the season. After the Cowboys game the Redskins will travel to New Jersey to take on the Giants. This is a game the Redskins should win but their are so many unknowns with how each unit will matchup with the other that it could be a season defining win or devastating loss. This game is the one that is most critical in my opinion. The Giants have improved their offensive line and gotten rid of a lame duck coach and added a potential star to their backfield but all of that still has to gel right? Health will be key in this game. Odell Beckham will be back and his success against Norman and the other Redskins CBs will likely define the game. Sterling Shepard is still a threat in the slot and while they Giants have Cody Latimer and Amba Etta-Tawo competing for the other outside spot both can stretch the field and will test the Redskins secondary if Eli gets time to throw the ball. I think the Redskins front 7 ought to contain Barkley to respectable but not wild numbers on the ground. That could be completely baseless though considering how the defense handled Orleans Darkwa last season. The Redskins really need to establish the running game in this one and I think a Jordan Reed renaissance/rebirth in this game will also be critical to a win among a lot of other things. Here’s to health!

The Redskins will finish the second quarter of the season by hosting Atlanta. I wouldn't count on a win here. Matt Ryan is still in the prime of his career with a top 2 WR that will be a handful for anyone that is covering him. The Falcons also added Calvin Ridley in the slot during the most recent draft. Not to mention the Falcons have one of the best running back duo’s in football. The defense is going to have its hands full during this one trying to contain all their weapons. The Redskins are going to need to keep pace offensively and ultimately outscore the Falcons to pull off the upset. That is going to be a tall order against the Falcon defense which is one of the most athletic in the league. They were the 5th best this season against the pass and 7th against the run. The Redskins can’t afford to shrink in this one and if they can pull off a win here it could be the biggest of the season.

Which game do you guys and gals think will be most critical in the second quarter of the Redskins season? What is the best possible record you think the team can after this first half of the season. Which divisional game would you rather win?