Find the Receivers

The Redskins could do anything they wanted last week at Arizona. The offense was so good that receivers Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson combined to catch eight balls for just 65 yards. Smith did attempt a deep pass to Richardson that just went off the receiver’s hands as he appeared to hesitate a bit on his route once he had his man beaten.

While last week was outstanding, you can’t expect to win games like that every week. Teams get tougher and there’s more film on you and your tendencies. Tight end Jordan Reed and Thompson are difficult to defend, but the better defenses in the league will find ways to limit them. That’s why the Redskins need more production from their top three receivers in Crowder, Richardson, and Doctson.

Crowder, the slot receiver, will be more involved this week. He and Smith appeared to have a nice rapport over the summer. Richardson is the burner the team signed from Seattle. In his lone opportunity deep last week, Richardson beat his man. He must come up with the football, though.

Finally, there is Doctson. The former first-round pick showed flashes of brilliance last season and also frustrated fans. Last week, he had a nice first-down catch over the middle for 11 yards and also dropped one. Doctson needs to take advantage of his opportunities for Smith to trust him. That was an issue with the former quarterback, Kirk Cousins, too. Doctson can change games with his ability to make big plays down the field.

The Redskins must involve their receivers on Sunday. This group could take the offense to another level.