Getting off to a good start, especially against a division opponent, is critical, and the Philadelphia Eagles will get a chance to produce a road win against an NFC East foe in the opener. Both teams underwent changes on offense with new pass-catchers roaming the field for each team. The Washington Redskins had the second-ranked pass offense in the NFL last season, but they are without a pair of 1,000 yards receivers and Kirk Cousins will have to look elsewhere to keep the offense humming. He’ll try to pick the Eagles apart in a Week 1 confrontation.
Don't miss any of the NFL Week 1 action on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 1 p.m. ET. This duel from FedEx Field will be televised on FOX.
NFL Week 1 Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Philadelphia Eagles +3
Washington Redskins -3
Over/Under 48.5
Kirk Cousins vs. Eagles Secondary
With Cousins leading the way, the Skins had one of the most prolific passing games in the NFL last season. Cousins was the only quarterback to throw a pass in a regular season game for Washington and nearly reached the 5,000-yard mark. He completed 67 percent of his throws with 25 touchdowns.
The Skins ranked second behind only New Orleans in passing with an average of 297 yards per game. But the team has a new look and the quicker Cousins gets adjusted to his new set of receivers, the better off the Skins offense will be.
They said adios to a pair of 1,000-yard pass catchers in DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon and welcomed in Terrelle Pryor through free agency. They will also count on second-year player Josh Doctson, who played just two games after being taken in the first round of the 2016 draft. The offense looked sluggish during the preseason as the new pieces started to fit in. If Cousins needs a familiar face to throw to he has tight end Jordan Reed and receiver Jamison Crowder at his disposal, so don’t expect too much of a drop in production.
Alshon Jeffery vs. Josh Norman
While Cousins has some new targets in his huddle, Carson Wentz also has a new No. 1 wideout in Jeffery, who was brought in from the Bears. The receivers in Philly were disappointing last season, yet Wentz still set a rookie record with 379 completions while throwing for 3,782 yards.
Now Wentz has a legitimate top target in Jeffery who has size and speed. Jeffery should help in red zone situations and will likely be blanketed by Norman for most of the afternoon. Norman’s luster was scuffed a bit last season playing on a team whose defense wasn’t very good. But that was no fault of the former Pro Bowler, who was widely considered the unit’s top player.
Jeffery is looking to get back to his form from a few seasons ago when he caught at least 85 passes and collected over 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. He had dealt with injuries in each of the last two years and his production dropped off significantly. The Eagles acquired him for the purpose of being the guy for Wentz, and Jeffery will get a chance to show off against one of the best cover men in the game.
Lane Johnson vs. Washington D Line
Johnson missed 10 games last season to a suspension for PED violations, but that didn’t soften his hatred for division rivals. Johnson recently said that his Eagles are going to “whup” the Redskins in the opener. Teams don’t need added motivation to get ready for the first game, particularly when it comes against a rival.
Those comments will surely be posted in the Skins locker room come game day and Johnson will be challenged by a revamped Skins defensive line. Washington signed free agent end Terrell McLain, who will likely line up opposite of Johnson, to address the need for a stronger group.
The Skins allowed nearly 378 yards per game in 2016 and coordinator Joe Barry lost his job because of it. The talent level on that side of the ball increased with the help of the draft and new coordinator Greg Manusky will adjust the schemes to fit his personnel. One area that needs improvement is the pass rush and Johnson will be tested trying to protect the franchise QB.
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