Fast Starts have been the key for Washington in their two wins, will that be the key for 2018?

A fast start to a game is always desired for a team, to get up and establish a substantial lead heading into the second half of the football game. The Redskins have had that luxury in the two victories against the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, winning the first half by a combined total of 49-10. Establishing a 39-point lead in their victories is what makes the Redskins hard to beat in the second half. Though Green Bay had their chances to get back in the game and were only down 11 points for a majority of the second half, which is a whole other topic within itself, the leads have proven to be a significant factor to their victories.

How have the Redskins been as effective in the first half as they have been so far? It is simple: their execution has been nearly flawless offensively, and they will need that the remainder of the season. The Redskins defense to this point has proven to be a defense that keeps teams out of the end zone, averaging 14.6 points per game, and can get off the field consistently. This leaves the Redskins offense responsible for taking advantage of the chances their defense gives them, and in each victory, they have done just that.

In their game against Green Bay, Redskins quarterback Alex Smith got off to a hot start, throwing for two touchdowns and nearly 200 yards in the first half. However, the rock of the offense was Adrian Peterson, who ran for 120 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Peterson’s success in the first half and the tail end of the fourth quarter sealed the victory for Washington when the offense could not establish anything for nearly the entire second half.

Moving forward it is obvious how the offense must continue to make Adrian Peterson a priority early and often against opposing defenses, but it also goes to show how important winning up front pays off for Peterson’s success as well. The offensive line must remain consistent; it allows a favorable advantage in the box for Peterson but also creates opportunities for Alex Smith in the passing game. Alex was able to hit his receivers in each level of the defense against the Packers, including having the time to take a shot downfield connecting on a 46-yard touchdown pass to receiver Paul Richardson. Will fast starts be the theme this year for the key to victories in 2018? We will see, so far though, it is.