Jacksonville Jaguars Will Eek Out Win Against Washington Redskins

The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking on the Washington Redskins in week two of the 2014 NFL season on Sunday. After a disastrous second half against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jags are hopeful they can rebound and take a win against the struggling Redskins. As a writer for Jaguars site I am naturally biased, but it’s looking more and more like the experts and pundits around the web are in agreement as well: the Jaguars will pull out a win against the Redskins.

Peter Schrager at FOX Sports has this to say in his 20-17, Jags victory prediction:

"The Jaguars gave the Eagles a fight for 50 minutes. With one of the better defenses (think Seahawks Lite) in the league, they’ll go the full 60 and beat the Redskins in Washington on Sunday. I keep hearing that Robert Griffin III isn’t on any sort of hot seat and his job is secure. How could that be the case if the Redskins start the season 0-2 with losses to Houston and Jacksonville?"

I am in agreement with this statement. While the Jags faded down the stretch against the Eagles, they would likely have hung on against a weaker offense. Washington has the tools to be a much more explosive offense, but they haven’t shown up in a season so the Jags can likely come out ahead here.

ESPN’s Michael DiRocco had this to say in his 20-17, Jags victory prediction:

"The Jaguars are getting a break this week because the Redskins are dealing with injuries that directly impact two of the Jaguars’ biggest weaknesses: running the ball and covering the tight end. The Redskins are going to be without nose tackle Barry Cofield because of a high ankle sprain, and tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring) likely won’t play."

Now, obviously there are other people who think that the Jags will lose. But I am inclined to think that the Jags eek it out. I just don’t see the Redskins putting it together in week two of the NFL season and the Jaguars will be hungry for a win.

The biggest concern going into the game will be the injury to safety Jonathan Cyprien. The depth at safety hurt the Jaguars last week against the Eagles and it is hard to believe they won’t give up a big play against a talented Redskins pass catching group.

But even with the possibility of the big play, expect the Jaguars’ defensive line to take advantage of the Redskins’ offensive line and, more importantly, the indecisive and unconfident Robert Griffin III. He hasn’t looked like his rookie, carefree self and will be available for the Jags to get to him all game. The defensive line will look to build on the three sacks the Redskins allowed against the Texans last week.

Expect the Jaguars’ defense to carry the day after the offense continues its slow start to the season.

Prediction: Jaguars 17, Redskins 10.