Sunday night was very encouraging for the Redskins, who not only recorded their second-straight win, but also appeared to have vastly improved their defense, which was atrocious in 2016. They slowed down the fast-paced Oakland Raiders and handily beat them down, 27-10.
The D punished the opposition all game long, with the unit being able to register six quarterback hits and four sacks, and the front seven holding Oakland’s running backs to 13 carries for 32 yards. All in all, Washington’s ultra-focused defense only allowed seven first downs and 128 total yards on an appalling 2.7 yards per play.
It’s a huge confidence-booster, especially since they are visiting the red-hot Chiefs next, who are sure to bring an even tougher challenge.
Kirk Cousins and his crew will similarly have an extra bounce in their steps. The QB, for one, connected on 25 of his 30 throws for 365 yards and three TDs, and was only sacked once.
Number two back, Chris Thompson, had a career night and went for 188 total yards and one score, veteran tight end Vernon Davis recorded 58 yards and one TD grab as a replacement for the injured Jordan Reed (chest, shoulder, toe), and rookie Josh Doctson, in his first NFL reception, raced to a 52-yard TD.
The Redskins are 8-3 in their last 11 games on the road (9-2 ATS).
The Chiefs enter as the only unbeaten team in the AFC West. They are coming off another balanced performance, where they pounded on division rivals Los Angeles Chargers, 24-10.
Offensively, the offensive onslaught of the team’s QB-WR-RB combo continued, with Alex Smith going 16-for-21 for 155 yards and two TDs, leading receiver Tyreek Hill having five receptions for 77 yards and a TD, and the constantly-rising running back, Kareem Hunt, tallying 172 yards on the ground on 10.2 yards per carry, along with one rushing score.
Defensively, they intercepted Phillip Rivers thrice, got to him nine times (seven hits and two sacks), and disrupted nine of this passes. Star linebacker Justin Houston had all-around numbers – one sack, one tackle for loss, two PDs, and two QB hits.
The coming matchup with the Redskins should be favorable for Smith and the offense, but do note that it’s just a battle of two squads with momentum on their side, as the ‘Skins, as mentioned, just displayed a fine defensive effort against the strong Raiders attack.
Kansas City is 12-2 in its last 14 games at home (6-8 ATS).
