The Redskins offense had some lucky bounces in week 2, but must execute better against Oakland

The Oakland Raiders are one of the most well-rounded teams this year. Their offense is elite, from their quarterback to their offensive line, and they have weapons at receiver and a beast of a running back. It’s what anyone would want in an offense. Their defense, two weeks into the season, is off to a better start than their 2016 campaign. Last year they were the 26th ranked defense in yards per game, and 20th in points per game, this year they’re 17th and yards per game and 11th in points per game. The quality of offense they’ve faced in the first couple of weeks can make them look better than what they may be, but the bottom line for the Redskins offense, they must execute much better against Oakland.

The Redskins statistically did not have a turnover against the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday, but they did have three fumbles on the day, and a toss near the goal-line that could have been a turnover as well. Needless to say, there were some good breaks that went the Redskins’ way. For Washington’s offense, two games in, protecting the football has been a problem. With three turnovers in week one, followed by three fumbles in week two, giving the ball away to the Raiders offense in week three is a recipe for disaster.

I expect part of the Redskins game plan offensively this week will involve keeping the Raiders offensive possessions at a minimum.  Executing and having an emphasis on protecting the football will do that. The Raiders have the fourth-ranked offense in total yards, and the first ranked offense in points per game, while only getting two turnovers from their defense in two weeks. Kirk Cousins’ 2017 season has gotten off to a slow start, like his 2015 and 2016 seasons, but under the lights of Sunday Night Football, he’ll need to shake the early season jitters and become a leader of the offense. Cousins hasn’t proven to have had the mentality of Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr week in-and-out.  He has not proven he can be the aggressive type of quarterback that will challenge a defense with talented throws, like a back-shoulder throw or even a fade.

Regardless of what he’s proven or not, Cousins will have to execute the game plan through the air effectively, and leave as little yards on the field as possible, as well as protect the football. Ball security goes to the skilled players as well, they have had their fair number of mistakes the first two weeks and need to tighten up too.