Here is what you need to know on this Friday, November 6, two days before the Washington Redskins visit the New England Patriots.

Five stats you need to know for Redskins vs. Patriots

—Jay Gruden talked about the need for the Redskins to get off to a fast start against the Patriots. They have been doing that this year, at least defensively. They have allowed 59 first-half points; only five other teams have allowed fewer. The Redskins have outscored the opposition in the first half 73-59 (it should be noted that the first-half margin was much more impressive before their last game, when the Bucs outscored them 24-7).

—Kirk Cousins has completed 184 passes, the most in team history through seven games. Robert Griffin III had the second most, with 158 in 2013. By comparison, Tom Brady has 199 completions so far this year. Cousins’ eight interceptions are the same number that Griffin had through seven games in 2013. Twenty-four Redskins quarterbacks have had seven or more interceptions through seven games.

—There is plenty of talk that the Redskins will have to be able to run the ball to stay competitive with the Patriots. They had better improve over what they have done in their last three games. In that span, the Redskins have 135 yards on the ground. That is the third-fewest rushing yards over a three-game stretch in team history. Only in September-October of 1994 (127) and November of 1944 (104) have they gained fewer over three games.

—So, how about some big plays to hit the Patriots with a little bit of shock and awe? Last year through seven games they had 10 plays that gained 40 yards or more. This year they have two, a 42-yard Chris Thompson run and a 43-yard pass from Cousins to Rashad Ross. Both of those plays came in one game, against the Eagles. The good news is that six of 2014 big plays were to DeSean Jackson, who should play on Sunday for the first time since early in the season opener.

—The bye week has not been good for the Redskins of late. Since 2008 they have gone 1-6 after getting a week off, a .143 winning percentage. Their only win in that time came in 2012 and it was the start of a seven-game winning streak that got the team to its last playoff appearance.

Timeline

—Today’s schedule: Practice 11:50; Jay Gruden and Sean McVay news conferences and player availability after practice, approx. 1:00

—Days until: Redskins @ Patriots 2; Saints @ Redskins 9; Redskins @ Panthers 16

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