The Washington Redskins are preparing for a big matchup against the New England Patriots as they become the next team to try and ruin their perfect record. Things have not been great for the Redskins as they aim to try and get better under Kirk Cousins. Coming out of the bye week the quarterback will at least have additional help on the field as DeSean Jackson is expected to make his return.
According to John Keim of ESPN, Jackson is expected to play in Week 9 after being out since the season opener with a tear in his hamstring. Jackson has been working to get on the field as his absence left Cousins without the team's No.1 receiver. While the quarterback has been struggling regardless, getting Jackson back will open up much more than just the passing game.
"With the week we had off I had a full week of building that trust back and doing training agilities to get me confident to where I'm not worried about it," Jackson said, via ESPN.com.
With Jackson on the field, the defense must account for him at all times. That opens the door for the passing game with players like Jamison Crowder, Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed to be more open than when Jackson was out with an injury. That is good news for Cousins who might improve in the passing game this week. It also good news for the inconsistent run game that has plagued the Redskins this year.
According to Keim, in 2014 the run game was better with Jackson on the field than without. They would average 4.73 yards per carry with Jackson and just 3.24 yards per carry without him. The Redskins will likely be facing fewer eight-man fronts with Jackson in the game which is good news for Alfred Morris and Matt Jones who are in desperate need of getting moving. Head coach Jay Gruden noted that he wants Morris to be the work horse while the two players will continue to rotate on the field.
"You're going to see them both play a lot," Gruden said, via ESPN.com. "They're both going to get their touches."
Facing the Patriots is certainly a tough time to start getting wins. With Robert Griffin III not getting traded at the deadline, the pressure is on Cousins to prove that he should not be replaced. Gruden has stuck up for the quarterback time and time again, but another loss could really put pressure on getting Griffin back on the field.
