Sports
Redskins game day » Week 12 at Seahawks
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
November 22, 2008
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| Redskins rookie wide receiver Malcolm Kelly appears to be healthy and could be a factor in the red zone. (Susan Walsh/AP) |
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Three keys to a Redskins victory
1. PRESSURE HASSELBECK » We’ll take a cue from defensive coordinator Greg Blache and say it’s not about sacks, it’s about pressure. The Redskins can’t let Matt Hasselbeck get comfortable in the pocket. He returned last week after a five-game absence and is still banged up, so they need to keep him uncomfortable. He has a full set of offensive weapons so if he has time, he can hurt the Redskins.
2. ATTACK THE MIDDLE » Seattle will blitz its linebackers, especially with a top rusher such as Patrick Kerney now done for the season. But the Seahawks still apply pressure because of the blitz. However, they’ve become a hit-or-miss team. If they don’t get there, they give up huge plays. The Seahawk safeties, especially Brian Russell, aren’t good and their corners are suspect. This is a chance for the passing game to get healthy.
3. CONVERT CHANCES » One reason the Redskins have struggled is they haven’t taken advantage of their opportunities. They drop interceptions or fail to create turnovers. They don’t score in the red zone, or they don’t get there enough. If they don’t start making plays inside the 20, they will limp to the finish line. It would be wise to see if rookie receiver Malcolm Kelly, finally healthy — we think — can provide a boost in the red zone. Nobody else has.
Key matchups
| DE Andre Carter |
vs. | LT Walter Jones |
| He has just two sacks, representing a major dropoff from last season. He’ll have a tough time this week adding to that total. | The eight-time Pro Bowler moves well for a 325-pounder. He’ll be making his 179th career start. | |
| RB Clinton Portis |
vs. | LB Lofta Tatupu |
| He’s feeling better than last week, with more stamina and burst. If he gets going, the Redskins won’t be beat. |
The Redskins would love to show the 2007 Pro Bowler that London Fletcher is the best MLB in this game. | |
| WR Santana Moss |
vs. | CB Marcus Trufant |
| The Redskins are 5-0 when he has at least 75 yards receiving and 1-4 when he doesn’t. It’s not a coincidence. |
Another Pro Bowler last year, but he’s playing with a broken bone in his hand this season, limiting his effectiveness. |
State of the teams
» Washington has spent the week having to answer more tough questions thanks to a two-game losing streak. Their offense has not produced lately, for a number of reasons. Some players clearly are tired of talking about it.
» Seattle, in coach Mike Holmgren’s final season, is en route to only its third losing season in the past 10 years and its string of division titles will end at four straight. But the Seahawks are getting healthier..
The Examiner predicts ...
The Redskins aren’t playing well and wouldn’t beat many good teams right now, but the schedule provides them a break.
Redskins 21, Seahawks 17
