The X-Factor’s:

The Washington Redskins

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

7/30/2019

         Every NFL team needs a few players to be difference makers on each side of the ball to aid their winning cause. Players who wind up becoming key contributors despite not being on a team’s radar in terms of major contribution. They could also be players whose impact is so necessary because of the affect their production could have on their entire unit. The Washington Redskins have several players that fit under these categories. This article will look to highlight two of these players, one on each side of the ball that could directly affect the results on the field for Washington.

The player on offense that fits under the description as an X-Factor is Josh Doctson. The 26-year-old receiver will be key to an offense in need of a legitimate threat on the outside. With many question marks at receiver in terms of consistent production, Doctson can be an answer. The numbers say Doctson has been anything but the talent the Redskins thought they were getting with the 22nd overall pick in the 2016 draft. Having yet to reach even 50 receptions, or 600 yards in any of his first 3 seasons. Despite this the ability is there, it is just up to Jay Gruden and the Redskins coaching staff to finally unlock his potential. In terms of what he can provide to this Redskins offense, a lot of it has to do with better utilization of his size and length. With his 6’2” frame the Redskins need to utilize him more on in breaking routes. Especially slant routes which are routes he has seen success in making plays on the last two seasons. They also need to give him more targets on intermediate routes, which are the routes he runs most effectively. The Redskins have also always talked about his ability to make contested catches. Using his vertical to go up over defenders to high point the football. That is why Washington should really work with implementing more jump balls into their offense. Especially in the Red zone where his height and length can be used as a weapon. The problem is he has not gotten many opportunities because of injuries and uneven performance at the QB position. Which is why whoever plays QB for Washington this year just needs to give him chances to make plays on the ball even when covered. For now, Doctson must continue to stay healthy and refine his game as an outside receiver. Because if he can show growth, and the Redskins utilize his strengths as a pass catcher he will finally show to be the impact receiver he still has the talent to be.

On the Defensive side of the ball the main X-Factor for this unit is rookie Montez Sweat. This is not just because he is the 26th pick of this past year’s draft. It is because the skillset he brings to the table could have a huge impact on the entire defensive group. At 22 years old Sweat is a young pass rusher with game changing speed off the edge. The Redskins since Brian Orakpo have not had a pass rusher with elite quickness and speed. Nor a rusher that provides any consistency other than veteran Ryan Kerrigan. Sweat brings all this to the table and will provide the protection on the other side of the defensive front pro-bowler Ryan Kerrigan needs. With his 4.41 40-yard dash speed he displayed at the combine he can become a true game wrecker on the defense. If Sweat becomes the pass rushing force the Redskins expect him to be, the defense will improve. Not only will the sack numbers rise across the front seven group, it will make the secondary’s job much easier. There will be more consistent pressure provided by the Sweat-Kerrigan combination along with the ‘Alabama Wall’ up front. Allowing for the secondary to be more aggressive with their coverages, because they will not be asked to cover as long. Now you can protect the secondary by being more disruptive up front. While also creating opportunities for more turnovers, something this defense needs to help a developing offense. Sweat will not only have a chance to become a stud from the edge rusher spot. He will overall make everyone else’s job on defense easier by taking attention away from the other quality players on the field.

In the end the Redskins need a lot of players to produce for them to be a good football team this year. Doctson and Sweat are two players though who the Skins need to be major difference makers this year. Not just because they would help boost production at positions of need. They have physical tools and skills that very few other players have that could make them stars not just on Washington but recognized around the league.