Detroit Lions 2016 Opponent Preview: Washington Redskins

The Detroit Lions finish up a three-game homestand with a week seven meeting with the Washington Redskins.

The Detroit Lions‘ 2015 season was in the crapper by the time week seven came along. That could be the case again in 2016 with three of their first four games on the road if the Lions can’t take advantage of the homestand that follows.

Their stretch of three-straight home games concludes in week seven when the Washington Redskins come to Ford Field.

To check in on the Redskins, I got together with Maurice Barksdale of Riggo’s Rag. Below are my questions followed by his answers.

1. How would you assess the Reskins’ offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?

I would assess the Washington Redskins offseason as successful. They had a second consecutive draft where they added more young talent and depth to the team and they signed one of the top free agents in the NFL in cornerback Josh Norman. They didn’t add an impact defensive lineman but the Redskins stated they liked their D-line depth and wanted to add more versatility to the unit.

2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2016 and why?

I’m most excited to see rookie wide receiver Josh Doctson The Redskins needed to add some size at wide receiver and the 6’2 Docston gives them another big target to go with tight end Jordan Reed. He also has the ability to make the acrobatic catch and I’m interested to see how Doctson can impact the Redskins offense.

3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?

The biggest question the Redskins need to answer is at the safety positions. There is experience and depth there but two new starters. At free safety DeAngelo Hall is the leading candidate to start. Hall has after twelve seasons playing cornerback, Hall will play free safety for the first time. At strong safety, free agent David Bruton Jr. enters training camp atop the depth chart. He was the Denver Broncos special teams captain but doesn’t have much experience as a starter.

4. What are your expectations for the Redskins in 2016?

I expect the Washington Redskins to repeat as NFC East Champions and return to the playoffs. As usual not many pundits are giving the Redskins a chance. But in my opinion the Redskins are the one team in the NFC East that is trending upward. They have young talent at most positions and at the ones they don’t they have plenty of options to turn to.

5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up for the Redskins?

Both teams finished the 2015 season strong. The Lions will be better than most people think in 2016. The Lions will be tough to beat on the road but I think the Redskins are the more talented team. I also think they have the better quarterback. Matthew Stafford is a good one but Kirk Cousins is ascending to the top ten of NFL quarterbacks. This will be one of the keys to the game.

Next: Checking in on the Los Angeles Rams

For more on the Washington Redskins, check out Riggo’s Rag.