National Football League

5 Washington Redskins To Watch In Week 7 Vs. Lions

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:40 p.m. ET

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Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) is sacked by Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins are currently on a hot streak, and they will look to continue this streak against the Detroit Lions. In the upcoming slides, we will give you the 5 players to watch in that week 7 matchup.

The Washington Redskins are coming off of a big Week 6 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. They have now won four games in a row, and have looked like a top tier NFL team recently.

However, they’re schedule is not getting any easier. This week, the Redskins are taking on the 3-3 Detroit Lions. This is definitely a beatable team, but it is also a team that could cause problems for Washington.

In the upcoming slides, we will evaluate 5 players to watch who all could have big impacts on the outcome of the game this Sunday.

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Robert Kelley (32) breaks a tackle by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

5. RB Rob Kelley

Rob Kelley is coming off of his biggest game of the season this far.

While he only rushed for 59 yards, it was still an impressive performance by the rookie. With the 5 carries that he had, he showed his ability to grind out small yards, and also break off big runs. His most memorable run during the game was an impressive 45 yard scamper through the middle of the field.

Kelley is very low on the depth chart. However, the Redskins have shown that they don’t mind rotating their three backs and giving each of them touches. They also have shown that they would like to continue to increase the impact the running game has.

Also, the Detroit Lions have the 21st worst rush defense in the league. Look for the Redskins to try and exploit that on Sunday just like they did against the Eagles.

Therefore, while Kelley may not end up having a huge game on paper in Week 7, I still believe he could definitely impact its outcome and is a player to keep an eye on as the game progresses.

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) is held by Cleveland Browns defensive back Joe Haden (23) while attempting to catch a pass in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

4. WR DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson has had a frustrating season so far. After 6 weeks, he has only caught 1 touchdown to go along with 333 receiving yards.

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According to ESPN.com’s John Keim, Jackson has also expressed feeling as if he’s not being targeted enough. His sentiments changed after the Philadelphia game when he was thrown to 5 times in the first quarter alone. Even though Jackson’s stats weren’t anything extraordinary, he definitely had an impact on the game’s outcome.

His impact was certainly felt early on in the first quarter as the ball was thrown to him many times. In fact, his 35 yard catch in the first quarter was the big play that led to the Redskins first touchdown.

However, Jackson was unable to play the entire game because of a shoulder injury. While it looks like he will most likely be able to play against the Lions, it is still something that could effect the extent of his impact.

If Jackson plays and is healthy, then it is probable that the Redskins will be trying to get him involved in the offense early and often. If this happens, then Jackson could end up having a huge game.

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

3. CBs Josh Norman/Bashaud Breeland

According to NFL.com, the Lions have the 14th best pass offense in the NFL. In contrast, they’re ranked 26th in the league in rush yards per game. This means that the Lions will most likely try to move the ball through the air, and they have the weapons to do this.

With veteran Matthew Stafford behind center, and targets like Golden Tate, Marvin Jones Jr., and Anquan Boldin to throw to, the Lions passing offense can be a very dangerous one. This will put a lot of pressure on Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland, and the whole secondary.

With the way he’s played this season, Norman probably wouldn’t have much of a problem locking off Tate. However, if the Redskins did that, then a lot of pressure would be on the rest of the secondary to guard potentially explosive receivers like Boldin and Jones.

Either way, the Redskins’ corners have an important job on their hands. If they are able to limit the Lions’ pass offense, then they will have shut down their most effective way to score. Whatever job they are given, Norman, Breeland, and company will have a huge impact on the score of the game and are definitely some players to pay attention to this Sunday.

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis (85) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2. TE Vernon Davis

Vernon Davis has not played a huge role in the Redskins’ passing offense so far this season.

Through 6 games, he as caught 12 passes for 144 yards and 1 touchdown. He was not picked up by the Redskins to bring in monster receiving stats like he did during his time with the 49ers. However, thanks to Jordan Reed‘s concussion problems, Davis may have to step up and become a serious receiving threat from the tight end position.

In Week 6 against the Eagles, Davis was looked at a decent amount, particularly near the goal line. In fact, two of the times Davis was targeted ended up being in the end zone when the Redskins were inside the 15 yard line. The veteran tight end finished the game with 50 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.

The Lions have the 23rd worst pass defense in the league, so expect Kirk Cousins to be throwing the ball often. Since Reed is Cousins’ favorite target, he will most likely need to find someone new to throw to yet again in Week 7. And while the Skins do have a wide variety of receiving threats, Davis is definitely one that will be on his radar.

The area where Davis provides a big threat is right near the goal line, which is also where Cousins has struggled in this season. Therefore, Davis could end up being a big body for Cousins to target when close to the end zone, like he was against the Eagles. If Davis can get free a few times, especially when the Redskins are in the red zone, then he may end up scoring and will definitely be someone you should keep your eye on as you watch the game.

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws the ball as Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) chases in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

1. LB Ryan Kerrigan

Ryan Kerrigan had a monstrous game in Week 6 against the Eagles. In that game, he had 2.5 sacks and provided a huge defensive presence for the Redskins.

Kerrigan has been a significant factor on the defensive side of the ball for the Redskins all season. He was in the backfield a ton against the Eagles, and this disruptive presence was huge in keeping their offense contained.

After a performance like the one he had in Week 6, it will be interesting to see how that energy transfers into Week 7. The Lions have allowed 15 sacks all season, so there are definitely some holes in the offensive line.

Put all of this together plus the fact that the Lions like to throw the ball a lot, and we could see Kerrigan having another huge game in Week 7. Kerrigan is always a player to watch, but with how hot he is right now as well as the opportunities that he may have against the Lions, he may end up being one of the most important players on the field and a key influence on the game’s outcome.

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