On Sunday, the Washington Redskins travel down to face the Miami Dolphins in the NFL’s week six of the 2019 season. Both winless teams are looking to finally pick up their first win, and in order to do so, the top players or the players with the best match-ups, need to be the difference makers.
Here are the top-five players to watch in the contest:
Josh Rosen, QB, Miami Dolphins
Miami head coach Brian Flores finally named Rosen the Dolphins’ starter for the remainder of the season. If Miami wants to have any chance of winning a few games this season Rosen has a fantastic chance to prove more of his worth against the Redskins. Rosen currently sits at 43-for-84 with 482 passing yards and one touchdown paired with three interceptions on the season. This is good enough for just a 57.7 QB passer rating. While the numbers are nowhere near a standout season, Miami will look to lean on Rosen the rest of the season going forward. Rosen will have an ample opportunity to exploit Washington’s 23rd-ranked pass defense.
DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins
The underrated wideout in DeVante Parker will look to come out against the Redskins porous defense. Parker’s numbers currently stand at 10 receptions for 201 yards this season with only one TD. Hus lone TD came in week four against the Los Angeles Chargers, and Parker racked up four passes in the game. However, Parker leads the wideouts per game with an average of 20.1 yards a catch. Watch out for Parker to capitalize against the Redskins secondary. The team got a boost after his opening drive score in week four.
Kenyan Drake, RB, Miami Dolphins
This is another case where the numbers don’t represent a guy like Drake and all he can do for a team. Drake does lead the team in rushing yards, with 113 yards on 31 carries. This averages out to just 28.2 yards per game, and explains a lot on why the Dolphins are 0-4. The rushing game for Miami ranks last in the NFL against the rush, but thankfully for the Dolphins, the Redskins average just 51.8 yards per game and are 28th against the run. Miami allows 175.8 yards on average on the ground per game, while Washington allows 144.0. All RBs for both teams should be in play this weekend, but Drake should have the best one of them all.
Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Redskins
McLaurin has been one of the brightest spots for this dysfunctional team, leading the team in all categories for a wideout. He has 16 receptions, 257 receiving yards and 3 TDs on the season for Washington. The third round pick out of the University of Ohio State looks to be a major factor going forward for the Redskins. Something McLaurin accomplished this early in his NFL career during the third game against Chicago, was becoming the first player with at least five receptions and one receiving TD in each of his first three games in his NFL career. McLaurin’s ability to make in-game adjustments and separate himself from defenders. This should worry the Dolphins as it has been embarrassed by the long ball to receivers all season.
Landon Collins, S, Washington Redskins
Like the offense, the defense hasn’t had much to be happy about with its performance so far this season. However, newcomer in safety Landon Collins has made his presence known as one of the leaders on the team and in the locker room. Collins currently has 36 total tackles, 22 solo and 14 assisted. With his presence becoming known to opposing offensive linemen and offensive personnel, Rosen will likely think twice about tossing a ball in Collins’ direction.
– Carl Mahler is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @C3Mahler Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
