

Kirk Cousins and the Redskins will have their hands full trying to take down Pete Carroll and the defending champion Seahawks on Monday night. (Elaine Thompson/Associated Press)

The Washington Redskins return to action Monday night, hoping to rebound from their embarrassment against the Giants with an upset victory over Seattle. The Seahawks, despite playing on the road, are currently 7.5-point favorites.

Doing so will prove challenging, especially for the Redskins, who have lost their past six prime-time matchups. The Seahawks own a 10-1 record on the national stage since Pete Carroll took over in 2010.

Here are five story lines to follow Monday night.

1. Response to adversity – Even back in training camp, Jay Gruden said that everything seemed positive, but he cautioned that he wouldn’t learn what his team was made of until the players faced adversity. Well, adversity definitely struck last Thursday, and now we’ll see if the Redskins are capable of bouncing back. Gruden is working to change the culture at Redskins Park and he’s watching closely to see which players are content with a continuation of the losing ways, and which are sick of it and really want better. Eventually, he’ll weed out those stuck in that losing mentality. Who puts up a fight against the Super Bowl champs and tries to lead the turnaround from 1-3?

2. Cousins’s grit – Kirk Cousins’s second start ended in disaster – four second-half interceptions and a loss. By following up a promising initial start with struggles, he remained true to the disturbing pattern he has displayed thus far in his young career. What we haven’t seen, however, is whether or not he has the ability to rebound from such woeful performances. If he wants to establish himself as a starter in the league, an ability to bounce back is a must. Doing so against a talented secondary like Seattle’s would make a statement.

3. Morris’s workload – One of the best ways Gruden can position Cousins for success is easing the pressure on him by giving the young QB a strong rushing attack so he doesn’t feel like he has to do it all. Gruden this week has said repeatedly that the Redskins must do a better job of using Morris. The only problem is, the Seahawks will likely bring eight men into the box to take away running lanes. And, they don’t come much tougher against the run than they do in Seattle. The Seahawks rank second in the NFL in yards per game (72.3) and first in yards per carry (2.8). Even if the impact is minimal early on, Redskins have to remain patient and understand that Morris has the ability to wear a defense down, and that he gets better as games progress.

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4. Front seven showing – Washington’s defensive front has one of the toughest challenges it will face all season. Running back Marshawn Lynch ranks among the best backs in the league. Wide receiver Percy Harvin, also used as a ballcarrier on jet sweeps and other plays, has great speed and physicality as well. Quarterback Russell Wilson does a very good job of using his legs to elude defenders and extend plays. The Redskins have done well against the run, but they have struggled to get to the quarterback. They must do both Monday if they expect to have a shot at winning.

5. Special teams play – Ben Kotwica’s charges escaped the Giants game without disaster, and Gruden insists he sees improvements. But he stresses that the team needs more. Eventually, the coach said, the special teams units need to provide a kick or punt return for a touchdown, or a blocked punt. It’d be great for Washington if this could be the week. But more than anything, they must contain Harvin, who has the speed to take one to the house on any touch. The Redskins also can’t afford to squander opportunities, so Kai Forbath must be on point when it comes to field goals.

Join us at 6:30 p.m. Monday through game’s end for a Redskins vs. Seahawks live blog. The Insider also hosts a separate discussion thread.

More from The Post:

Five Redskins-Seahawks story lines | All pre-Seahawks posts

Divergent paths since 2012 playoff meeting | Ugly start for Washington

Reid: Gruden has the tools, but Redskins lack the parts

Griffin unlikely to return in October | Cousins learning art of deception

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