An outlook of the Washington Redskins season

The Washington Redskins enter the 2019 NFL season with more questions than answers. At least that’s how we saw it on The Kist & Solak Show #99, where we continued our Eye On the Enemy series by focusing on Washington. To help bring clarity to specific questions we had about the Redskins, I spoke with Mark Bullock of The Athletic DC for a special Eye On the Enemy Extra!

One of the major questions we had was regarding a recent report that starting left tackle Trent Williams wanted out of town. This would be a huge shot to the offensive line as they’ve recently lost a key depth piece in Ty Nsekhe when he walked in free agency to the Buffalo Bills. How much stock should we take in those rumors though?

“Yesterday it was reported that Redskins LT Trent Williams was skipping this week’s mandatory mini-camp due to a contract dispute. It was reported that he wanted a new deal or a trade. Williams has two years left on his deal worth $24 million with no guaranteed money. Fans and pundits had a field day with what that meant for the Redskins, Williams’ worth, the cost of injuries, and the meaning of life.” - Scott Jennings, Hogs Haven

With only one “insider” claiming Williams refuses to play for the Redskins, Bullock downplayed the rumor, while adding there are legitimate grounds for Williams to be upset. The medical staff in Washington has been among the worst in the league in recent history and Williams has been particularly banged up. Still, the expectation is that Williams will be back with the Redskins, perhaps with a shiny new contract.

Another question that popped up on The Kist & Solak Show #99 was the status of free safety Montae Nicholson. We were perplexed by the lack of playing time in 2018 after an excellent 2017 campaign. In fact, he was my top free safety in the NFC East entering 2018.

“... even with a small sample size of only 8 games played, Montae Nicholson made enough of an impact to vault in front of a thin group. The 4th round selection out of Michigan State was rock solid in coverage for the Redskins; on 190 passing plays he was targeted 7 times, allowing 3 receptions for 22 yards, and 1 touchdown while also collecting 1 interception for a NFC East low 0.12 yards per coverage snap. That number puts him top 5 in the NFL among safeties that played at least 25% of their teams defensive passing snaps.” - Michael Kist

Bullock cited scheme fit, injuries, and a failed experiment with HaHa Clinton-Dix as reasons for Nicholson seeing the field less, but expects him to regain his starting spot this upcoming season.

We cover all that and much more, including how Bullock views the tumultuous front office, on an Eye On the Enemy Extra: Washington Redskins edition! Listen to it on the media player below or click here the player doesn’t load. New to podcasts? Check out our guide on how to listen to BGN! FLY EAGLES FLY!