Six weeks into the season, the Washington Redskins have to be more than pleased of how things are looking after losing their first two games. They are 4-2 right now, which is their best record through six games since 2008.
Key reasons to this success are the efforts of Kirk Cousins and the overall defense. The 28-year-old quarterback, despite still being prone to ill-advised interceptions, is completing 65 percent of his passes and has four touchdowns in the team’s four-game run. Defensively, meanwhile, the Redskins have stepped on the gas pedal, especially down the stretch, holding opponents away from the end zone in the second half in the same stretch.
Washington’s running game, surprisingly, has also emerged as a reliable weapon. The three-headed rushing attack of Matt Jones, Robert Kelley and Chris Thompson has made life a lot easier for Cousins in leading the offense. Yesterday’s 27-20 victory over the Eagles was a perfect example of that, as the three running backs combined for 231 yards and a touchdown.
The Burgundy and Gold should be able to continue firing on all cylinders on Saturday’s upcoming showdown with Detroit, a team which allowing nearly 400 offensive yards per contest this season. However, the Redskins D is in for an interesting challenge of limiting a high-scoring, pass-heavy offense led by Matthew Stafford.
Washington is 5-5 SU and 6-4 ATS in its last 10 road games.
Just like in Week 5, the Detroit Lions executed a pair of big-time plays in fourth period to take home the win. And this time, the Rams were their latest victims.
Matt Prater nailed a go-ahead, 34-yard field goal with less than two minutes on the clock and was then followed up by a game-sealing interception by Rafael Bush, handing the Lions their second-straight victory and third one this season.
Of course, that result wouldn’t have been possible without the golden performance from Golden Tate. He was Matthew Stafford’s most efficient target, as the 28-year-old receiver from Notre Dame hauled in eight catches for a season-best 165 yards along with one touchdown.
The Lions are scoring 25.0 points and averaging 260.7 passing yards per contest through six games. Keeping the offense going, especially through the air, will be difficult against the streaking Redskins this weekend. Washington has held its last two opponents below 200 yards passing.
That being the case, the Lions’ running game needs to show up. Theo Riddick, the team’s only real threat on ground, missed yesterday’s game with an ankle injury and his return remains uncertain. If he doesn’t suit up, Zach Zenner or even the newly-signed Justin Forsett should both see some time in leading Detroit’s rushing attack again. The two gathered 63 yards on 19 carries versus LA.
The Lions are 6-4 SU and 5-5 ATS in their last 10 home games.
