No. 2: Alex Smith Struggles at Times

This isn’t an indictment on who Smith is as a quarterback. He’s good. And he will be good for the Redskins in 2018.

However, he barely saw any action in the preseason. He’s not worked with receiving targets Jamison Crowder or Jordan Reed in a live-game situation. He completed one pass each to wide receivers Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson in the preseason. He will likely battle some timing issues, especially on deeper routes this Sunday.

What Smith needs is a strong game from veteran running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson doesn’t need to rush for 130 yards, or anything like that. But the team needs a solid performance from him anyway.

That means 75 to 80 tough yards, while No. 2 tailback Chris Thompson comes in on third downs and makes plays in the passing game.

Expect Smith to lean heavily on Crowder, Thompson, Reed and tight end Vernon Davis early. He can find them in the short passing game, while he continues to acclimate himself to Gruden’s offense.

As he gets more comfortable you’ll likely see Richardson and Doctson more involved.

Smith will take good care of the football on Sunday. But he’ll also miss some throws he usually makes with ease. It’s all a part of the process, as he’ll get better as the season wears on.