The Washington Redskins are opening their season at home against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday still without 25-year-old starting quarterback Robert Griffin III, who suffered concussion-like symptoms after a week 2 preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
Griffin was okayed to play two weeks ago, but the clearance was revoked just a day after as the team had not yet received written confirmation from medical experts that it is safe.
Veteran backup Kirk Cousins will be in his place at the FedEx Field against a new and improved Dolphins defense led by tackles Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell with Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon at the ends.
Bleacher Report noted that "mistake-prone" Cousins would likely have a hard time even without the aforementioned defenders in front of him.
Meanwhile, Joe Philbin and the Dolphins are hoping to have a winning season for the first time since 2008.
The team's offense has also improved with more receiving options for Ryan Tannehill and a much-enhanced backfield led by Lamar Miller, as per Sports Chat Place.
Newly-acquired pass catchers Jordan Cameron, Devante Parker, and Jarvis Landry would make life easier for Tannehill, although Parker is questionable for the game with a foot injury.
Prediction: Dolphins win, 21-10
Miami Dolphins starting lineup
Offense: Tannehill (QB), Miller (RB), Landry (WR1), Hazel (WR2), Stills (WR3), Cameron (TE), Albert (LT), Thomas (LG), Pouncey (C), Turner (RG), James (RT)
Defense: Wake (DE), Mitchell (DT), Suh (DT), Vernon (DE), Jenkins (OLB), Misi (MLB), McCain (OLB), Grimes (CB1), Davis (CB2), Jones (SS), Thomas (FS)
Washington Redskins starting lineup
Offense: Cousins (QB), Morris (RB), Young (FB), Jackson (WR1), Garcon (WR2), Reed (TE), Williams (LT), Lauvao (LG), Lichtensteiger (C), Scherff (RG), Moses (RT)
Defense: Paea (DE), Knighton (NT), Hatcher (DE), Kerrigan (OLB), Robinson (ILB), Riley (ILB), Murphy (OLB), Hall (CB1), Culliver (CB2), Ihenacho (SS), Goldson (FS)