One final 2018 Redskins beat (insert opponent) if…..
- …Josh Johnson continues to make plays, especially on 3rd down. The Redskins are 15-29 on third-down the last two weeks and many of those have been converted because Johnson has extended plays with his legs and either run for a first down or made a good throw. The Skins haven’t scored many points the last two weeks (32 total) but they’ve moved the ball as well as they have all year. Johnson has been impressive and has done more good than not. If he can make plays like he did against the Jags and Titans, the Skins will be in the game.
- …Dustin Hopkins is perfect, again. He’s been their main scoring weapon the last two weeks going 6 for 6. With the way Hopkins has been kicking, the offense more often than not needs just 30-40 yards per drive for a scoring opportunity.
- …they are plus-2 or better in turnover margin. This is a running key to a win for this team (as it is for most) but they haven’t won a game this year without being on the plus side of this category. Foles has been terrific in his four starts since Wentz left the lineup but he’s also thrown 3 interceptions with several other close calls. Swearinger’s talent and ability will be missed while other aspects of his team contribution won’t. A few 50-50 balls that the Skins come down with could be the difference today between a 27-10 loss and a game they have a chance to win late.
Prediction:
With all that has swirled around this team all week as it often does at the end of a season, don’t overlook the fact that they’ve played two good football games in a row. I think they play another one today and keep it close.
Eagles 23-17
If you want to hear a ton more on the Skins’ game today and what’s next when the season ends, listen to Cooley and I discuss the team starting at the 18:13 mark below.
https://thekevinsheehanshow.com/2018/12/28/redskins-eagles-cooley-and-svp/