This won’t be the first start for Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins, but it certainly feels like it. Last week, the Redskins started Haskins by default because of Case Keenum’s concussion. Now, Haskins is confirmed to be the starter for the rest of the season. The job is his, through good and bad.
Believe it or not, but Haskins has an opportunity to potentially help steal a win for the Redskins, as Washington will take on the 2-7 New York Jets at FedEx Field. The Jets famously lost to the Miami Dolphins, whom the Redskins beat in a nail-biter a few weeks prior. While they also have a win against the Cowboys, the Jets are very inconsistent, and there will be errors for Washington to capitalize on.
How does Washington match up with New York, and how can they come away with a win in Week 11 of the 2019 regular season?
Redskins offense vs. Jets defense
The Jets defense has more talent than one would assume. On the defensive line, Quinnen Williams headlines a strong interior, while edge rusher Jordan Jenkins leads the team with 5.0 sacks. In the linebacking core, high-priced free agent acquisition C.J. Mosley provides a tone-setting presence, and in the secondary, All-Pro talent Jamal Adams still roams.
That said, while the Jets unit has talent, it hasn’t been a very efficient group under Gregg Williams. Per Football Outsiders, the Jets rank No. 23 in the league in adjusted sack percentage, with just 6.3 percent, a full percentage point lower than the NFL average. Their secondary has also been one of the worst in the league, ranked No. 24 in weighted defense performance, per Football Outsiders.
While the Jets pass defense has been inconsistent, however, their run defense has been surprisingly stout. The Jets have allowed 737 rushing yards to this point, which is the second lowest amount in the league, only to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and their run defense is ranked as the No. 2 unit in the nation by Football Outsiders. With a unit comprised of Williams, Folorunso Fatukasi, and Steven McClendon, the Jets have thrived up front.
It might not sound right to Redskins fans who have witnessed Adrian Peterson‘s resurgence in 2019, but the best way to move the football against the Jets will be to pass the ball. This is the perfect opportunity to open up the playbook for Dwayne Haskins, take some shots, get Terry McLaurin involved, and put the pressure where the Jets defense is most likely to crumble. Because if the Redskins try to pound it down the middle like normal, they might just end up being stuffed.
Redskins defense vs. Jets offense
This matchup provides a great deal of intrigue. Sam Darnold has not been his best self this season, but he’s started to level out since his four-interception performance against the New England Patriots.
Darnold has a favorite target whom Redskins fans might remember. Jamison Crowder, through nine games, has 48 catches for 486 yards and two touchdowns, both of which have come in the past two weeks. In every game but one, Crowder has had five targets or more, and he’s quickly become a reliable safety blanket in the slot for Darnold.
There’s also more fire power on New York’s offensive unit that demands attention. Le’Veon Bell is an All-Pro talent at running back who can make something out of nothing any time he touches the ball. Robby Anderson is a very good deep threat who has the speed to stretch Washington’s defense, and Demaryius Thomas is a savvy veteran with the athleticism to hurt Washington as well.
No Adam Gase-led offense is ever going to be scary, but the Jets offense has enough talent to potentially surprise the Redskins defense, and if Greg Manusky isn’t on top of his game, putting players in the right position, then it could come back to hurt him. Both units are fairly talented, but lack proper coaching. Thus, it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top.
