Key's against the Chargers:
Rivers and Cousins are pretty much tied in stats. Will the Skins suppress their lust for gaudy passing numbers and attack the worst run defense in the league on the ground? Not if it means Kirk falls behind Phil in the stat columns.
Key on offense is to run - but I doubt they will especially if they fall behind. Running also negates the very good pass rush of LA that they get from both sides of the line.
Key on Defense - Can't let Rivers beat you in the short game. Redskins can lock up with their wideouts but Rivers will tear Washington apart with their TE's & Ekeler out of the backfield. This is part of why Rivers has taken the fewest sacks (13) in the season so far. Skins will need to be patient and not overly aggressive against the pass. I'm not sure this will happen - more likely is they'll try to pressure Rivers and leave the soft white underbelly in that 10 yard area from the LOS exposed. LA isn't going to beat you by running the ball down your throat but their short passing game really opens things up as the game wears on.
Key for the team - Can't make mistakes as the Chargers make very few and capitalize on their opponents errors. Includes your play calling, Jay. Can't squander any opportunities that they get, no foot dragging by the offense at the start of the game like they've done the last couple of games. Special teams cannot be the Special Ed team.
In a lot of ways the Redskins are almost playing themselves against the Chargers offense, they're very similar on what they do. On defense it's more of what the Skins would like to be versus where LA is; 4th fewest points, 5th against the pass, +11 on turnovers. Washington on the other hand; 3rd most points given up, 13th against the pass & -4 on turnovers.
Game time -
Washington will be able to hang in with and possibly lead the Chargers through the middle of the 2nd Qtr. Chargers take a small lead into the half but bury the Skins in the 2nd half.
Perine will get another 100 yard game but inexplicably Skins only give him 20 totes. Kirk Cousins will get 250 yds but only 1 TD with 1 int and 2 fumble's while taking 6 sacks.
Rivers will go for 325 yards with 3 TDs and 1 Int while only getting sacked once. Chargers will get 4 takeaways and score on 1 of them.
A long day at the office with a bright spot here and there but at the end of the game -
Washington 24 - Los Angeles 44