Lions vs. Redskins Week 12 Scouting Report: DC in the cellar

Special Teams

Matt Prater did not attempt a field goal for the first time since Week 8 of 2018 in last week’s loss. With Stafford not available, field goals become a much more important facet of the Lions’ offensive gameplan, and Prater has only missed three attempts all year. In his only career game in Washington, as a member of the Denver Broncos in 2009, Prater hit his only field-goal attempt, from 24 yards.

Despite a nagging abdomen injury, Sam Martin punted the ball six times against the Cowboys, including a long of 57 yards and four dropped inside the 20. His punting average is a full three yards less on the road than at home, though the Lions would prefer fewer punts and more scoring opportunities on Sunday against a weak defense.

Jamal Agnew suffered an ankle injury in last week’s loss and may be unavailable against Washington. If he can’t go, a combination of Marvin Hall, Danny Amendola, and Ty Johnson will handle return duties.

The Lions coverage units have been very strong in recent weeks, led by Dee Virgin and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Penalties marred an otherwise strong performance last week in the third phase, with infractions by C.J. Moore and A’Shawn Robinson costing the Lions valuable yards.

Dustin Hopkins remains a consistent performer in his fifth season for the ‘Skins, hitting 12 of his 16 field goal attempts this year. However, after hitting four of his five attempts for 50-plus yards last season, he has yet to make one from that distance in 2019, missing his only attempt.

Veteran punter Tress Way leads the NFL with a 48.9 average on punts and has dropped 19 of them inside the 20. Needless to say, it’s never a good sign when two of your most productive players are your placekicker and punter.

The ‘Skins return units on punts and kickoffs have been middling all season. Steven Sims Jr. handles kickoffs, and 2018’s “Mr. Irrelevant” Trey Quinn handles punts.