Each year it seems the NFC East is anyone’s division and 2018 is no different, which gives the Washington Redskins a huge opportunity in Week 5.
Every NFC East team suffered a loss on Sunday in Week 5, which means the Washington Redskins have the rare chance to take control over the division as they travel to face the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.
The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles all fell on Sunday with a combined deficit of seven points. The Redskins are the only team above .500, though each team probably feels deserving of such a mark. One thing for sure, this division does not lack parity, but Washington needs to take advantage of the the opportunity to grab an early lead.
Even if the Redskins fall to the Saints on Monday night, they would still stand in first place at 2-2, but that’s not what the team hopes for. Week 5’s game is their encore after a convincing Week 3 win against the Green Bay Packers. Coming off the dreaded early bye week, the team hopes they got healthy enough to continue a strong start to the 2018 season.
All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams had a knee procedure to clean up some minor issues and reports are positive for his availability against the Saints. However, the team may be without former first-round wide receiver Josh Doctson, who is dealing with an injury to his heel. He hasn’t practiced at all this week and is listed as questionable.
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Washington will likely bank on another strong performance from their top-ranked defense in order to neutralize Drew Brees and the Saints’ fourth-ranked passing attack. Not that he requires any extra motivation, but Brees only needs 201 yards to become the NFL’s all-time passing leader.
On top of Brees, the Redskins’ defense will have their hands full trying to contain receiver Michael Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara. Kamara, who has more receiving than rushing yards, is further helping his case as the league’s most dynamic back. Washington hopes they can rely on their defensive line to wreak havoc up front in order to disrupt New Orleans’ run game and an immobile Brees.
Despite an unusual Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Redskins appear to be the most cohesive team in the division at the moment. Yes, it’s still early, but a primetime win would do their confidence some good and contribute to their budding lead in the standings.