WAYNE ROOT
Millionaires---Washington
The Redskins are coming off an NFC East title and Kirk Cousins’ breakout season, but they find themselves as home underdogs to start the year. The Steelers are favored by three points; but on the road. Cousins was so good last year that they made the playoffs despite having the league’s 28th ranked defense.
But they made it a point to shore up their defense to help the offense win some extra games in their very competitive division.
The Redskins made arguably the biggest addition of the offseason, signing All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. He joins a defense that was 25th against the pass in 2015, ranking 22nd in opposing quarterback rating. His only goal is to disrupt Antonio Brown. The Redskins should be able to sack Pittsburgh QB Ben R 3 to 4 times. On the Skins offensive side, Cousins should be able to have his share of success against Pittsburgh in what could be a high-scoring affair. Washington could be one of the most explosive teams in the NFC on offense, at least in the passing game. DeSean Jackson is still one of the top vertical threats in the NFL, while Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder are possession receivers. All capable targets for Cousins. Ultimately, considering Pittsburgh will be without RB Le’Veon Bell, who is serving a three-game suspension, the improvement of the Washington defense and their ability to get to
Roethlisberger, I don't see that the Steelers are up to the level to lay points on the road against a team that can match you score for score. Pittsburgh is a dangerous opponent, but Washington will not be denied at home. Cousins is on a one-year deal because his team needs to see more than a great second half of a season so he’ll have a chip on his shoulder. Pittsburgh’s secondary will have issues against all the Skins’ weapons. The Steelers will also miss Bell on the ground which will offer the Redskins defense more stops.
Millionaires---Washington
The Redskins are coming off an NFC East title and Kirk Cousins’ breakout season, but they find themselves as home underdogs to start the year. The Steelers are favored by three points; but on the road. Cousins was so good last year that they made the playoffs despite having the league’s 28th ranked defense.
But they made it a point to shore up their defense to help the offense win some extra games in their very competitive division.
The Redskins made arguably the biggest addition of the offseason, signing All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman. He joins a defense that was 25th against the pass in 2015, ranking 22nd in opposing quarterback rating. His only goal is to disrupt Antonio Brown. The Redskins should be able to sack Pittsburgh QB Ben R 3 to 4 times. On the Skins offensive side, Cousins should be able to have his share of success against Pittsburgh in what could be a high-scoring affair. Washington could be one of the most explosive teams in the NFC on offense, at least in the passing game. DeSean Jackson is still one of the top vertical threats in the NFL, while Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder are possession receivers. All capable targets for Cousins. Ultimately, considering Pittsburgh will be without RB Le’Veon Bell, who is serving a three-game suspension, the improvement of the Washington defense and their ability to get to
Roethlisberger, I don't see that the Steelers are up to the level to lay points on the road against a team that can match you score for score. Pittsburgh is a dangerous opponent, but Washington will not be denied at home. Cousins is on a one-year deal because his team needs to see more than a great second half of a season so he’ll have a chip on his shoulder. Pittsburgh’s secondary will have issues against all the Skins’ weapons. The Steelers will also miss Bell on the ground which will offer the Redskins defense more stops.
