5 Storylines to Watch: Redskins vs. Jaguars
With more than enough rest after a disappointing Thursday night performance and numerous roster moves, the Jacksonville Jaguars will take on another team whose season was cut short by injuries, the Washington Redskins.
Can the Jacksonville Jaguars rebound and give the hometown fans a victory in the final game at TIAA Bank Field? Fans of the Black and Teal should watch out for these storylines.
Kessler-Westbrook Dynamic – It was one of the few bright spots Thursday, but Jacksonville Starting quarterback Cody Kessler and wide receiver Dede Westbrook established a rapport, with Westbrook catching seven passes for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Look for this connection to continue against Washington’s 22nd ranked passing defense, allowing 257.8 yards through the air per game. The former Fred Biletnikoff Award-winner is oozing with potential, and Jaguars fans are seeing it with Kessler at the helm.
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Get Fournette Back on Track – Last week was running back Leonard Fournette‘s worst game since returning from a hamstring injury. Fournette only tallying 36 rushing yards on 14 carries, including a game-turning red zone stuff (and we know the rest).
Offensive coordinator Scott Milanovich should look to establish the run to keep the Redskins’ defense on edge, with Fournette’s potential to bust open a huge run.
Pressure Josh Johnson – In their blowout loss to the New York Giants, the Redskins benched quarterback Mark Sanchez for Josh Johnson. Johnson will face a difficult task this week against one of the NFL’s toughest defenses in the Jaguars.
With a makeshift offensive line, the Jacksonville defense should send the heat to Johnson and force the unseasoned quarterback into errant throws.
Ronnie Harrison is the Future – In a surprising Friday move, the Jaguars released veteran safety Barry Church after almost two seasons with the team.
The move comes after Church was a healthy scratch against the Titans and rookie safety Ronnie Harrison out-played the 30-year-old. In two games as starting strong safety, Harrison tallied eight tackles, a sack, and an interception.
Harrison has the potential to be one of the best safeties in the league — with time — and will continue to be another building block for an already talented defense.
Get one for the Fans – Sunday will be the last home game for the Jaguars until August 2019, so giving the fans a win until then would be a big thing for the team, fans and the city.
Next. Will the Jaguars grab a QB in the first round of the Draft?. dark
While both of these teams are on their last leg and looking toward the offseason, a defensive slug match is expected. With the playoff-hopeful Miami Dolphins and surging Houston Texans next on the schedule, this should be the one.