Redskins president confident before opening game

There are several players to keep an eye on. Will quarterback Kirk Cousin have another record-setting year as he did in 2015, where he set the franchise record with 4,166 passing yards?  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Cornerback Josh Norman was added to the team in free agency to bolster a poor defense. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Redskins running back Matt Jones continued to impress as injuries mounted to teammates on the other side of the ball. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Running back Matt Jones takes over as the primary ball-carrier, but still has plenty to prove.  (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson, left, and safety DeAngelo Hall, right, stretch during the NFL football team's minicamp at the Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., Wednesday, June 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
When healthy, wide receiver DeSean Jackson is one dangerous player. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Can lifelong cornerback DeAngelo Hall make the smooth transition to free safety? (AP Photo/Jason Hirschfeld)
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Redskins running back Matt Jones continued to impress as injuries mounted to teammates on the other side of the ball. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson, left, and safety DeAngelo Hall, right, stretch during the NFL football team's minicamp at the Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va., Wednesday, June 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
December 27, 2024 | What to expect from the opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (WTOP's George Wallace)

WASHINGTON — As the Washington Redskins head into another football season with the opening game against the Steelers Monday evening, team president Bruce Allen reveals the secret to a season’s success.

“I think the key to everybody’s season is how healthy you can stay during the year,” he told WTOP’s Bruce Alan. “And knock on wood — we’re going into this game healthy.”

Right now, it’s not about which individual player scores a touchdown, or who emerges as a star player. The Redskins just want to improve their game.

“Our team has been working very hard,” Alan said. “We’ve had a successful training camp, and the focus is trying to get better every day. We set a standard last year by winning the division, and we’ve got to try and get better.”

In a move to better their season, the Redskins tweaked their lineup by adding All-Pro Josh Norman at cornerback, and DeAngelo Hall at safety.

“Bringing in Josh has brought a lot of juice into our secondary,” Allen said. “DeAngelo Hall having another year under his belt playing safety—we’ve added to the talent level, definitely.”

The team has a challenging schedule ahead, but “we’re just looking forward to seeing our guys perform up to their abilities,” Allen said.

The Redskins’ opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is at 7:10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12  at FedExField. Allen said parking lots will open at 2 p.m., and encouraged fans to arrive early to avoid traffic and congested lots.

Streets near the stadium such as Brightseat Road, Arena Drive and Garrett Morgan Boulevard are expected to have the most traffic. Interstates 495 and 95 near the exit to the stadium will have football traffic as well.

Each lot has a designated color and letter, with a designated roadway for entrance. Parking permits, valid one space per permit, can be purchased online. The Purple, Orange and Green lots will open four hours prior to kickoff, and the RedZone will open 5 hours prior.

Cash parking also is available off Brightseat Road in the Gray Lot.

Tailgating is permitted in all parking lots at FedExField, but use of more than one parking spot is allowed only in designated areas. The use of grills, coolers, chairs and tables is allowed, but fans are advised to keep all aisles clear, and clean up before entering the field.

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