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Washington Redskins: 5 Keys To Victory In NFL Week 4 Vs. Browns

Published on: September 30, 2016 at 10:25 AM ET
Evan Massey
Written By Evan Massey
News Writer

The Washington Redskins are set to face off against the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 4 action. It is a game that the Redskins need to make an impact in, but they are not going to have an easy task. Cleveland may not have a win yet, but they are not a pushover team, as they showed last week against the Miami Dolphins.

Heading into this week’s game, the Redskins hold a 1-2 record. They fell at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 and backed that up with another loss against their division rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. Last week, the Redskins were able to come away with a 29-27 victory over the New York Giants.

It should be a very entertaining game between two teams who are desperate to pick up a needed win. If the Redskins are serious about competing in the NFC playoff race, they cannot afford to get off to a 1-3 start and certainly cannot lose the easier games on their schedule.

Washington is certainly the better team on paper heading into this week’s game. They were widely considered to be the favorites in the NFC East division coming into the season. Obviously, they haven’t had the start to the season that they were hoping for, but they still have a lot of potential.

All of that being said, what five keys to victory do the Washington Redskins need to focus on heading into this week’s game against the Browns?

Kirk Cousins Must Score Touchdowns in the Red Zone

Perhaps the biggest issue for the Washington offense has been their inability to score touchdowns. They have had to settle for field goals or have turned it over after they have gotten into the end zone. Kirk Cousins has to find ways to punch the football into the end zone if the Redskins want to have any chance of making the playoffs.

Put Pressure on Rookie QB Cody Kessler

Due to the injuries that Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown have suffered this season, the Browns are starting rookie quarterback Cody Kessler. He didn’t have a bad first game against the Dolphins, but there are plenty of ways the Redskins can rattle him. Putting pressure on the young quarterback is a must for Washington this week.

Establish Matt Jones and the Ground Game

One of the biggest disappointments this season has been the play of Matt Jones. He has carried the football 37 times for 150 yards and a touchdown. Jones needs to have a big game this week and needs to prove that he is a capable No. 1 running back.

Get Jordan Reed More Involved in the Offense

Jordan Reed is one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but he hasn’t been utilized as much as many were expecting this season. He has caught just 16 passes for 190 yards and no touchdowns in three games this season. Washington needs to get Reed more involved in the offense this week.

Shut Down Terrelle Pryor

Defensively, the main threat for the Redskins will be the multi-talented Terrelle Pryor. He was used as a quarterback, running back, and wide receiver last week against the Dolphins and had a huge game. Washington has to focus on shutting down Pryor this week.

Expect to see the Redskins come out with a win over the Browns when everything is said and done. They are a much better team on paper and should prove that on the field as well.

Do you think the Washington Redskins will end up coming away with a Week 4 victory over the Cleveland Browns? What are your final score predictions for the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Featured Image by Alex Brandon/AP Images]

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