1. Run the ball » New Orleans’ run defense is not good. The Saints rank 26th in the league in yards per carry and 20th overall. They lack a strong interior, though the return of defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis should help. The struggles often come from being overly aggressive. So counters and cutback runs should work. Considering the Saints’ explosive offense, the Redskins must control the ball and keep them off the field. Plus, they’ll never protect Jason Campbell if they can’t run.

2. Be disciplined » Can the Redskins’ secondary do this? Corner Carlos Rogers has been beaten by double moves because of undisciplined eyes. LaRon Landry has bitten on some routes that he should not have. If they do this Sunday, it’ll be a touchdown for New Orleans. Saints quarterback Drew Brees has the time to fake twice and still not be hit. If they bite hard on his fakes, Brees will make them pay.

3. Protect Jason Campbell » Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams loves to play pressure defense. But he doesn’t always blitz. However, the Redskins don’t have the firepower to scare teams so look for him to be aggressive Sunday. Picking up the blitzes will be crucial. And if the Saints can pressure with four, it’ll be ugly. The Redskins must be willing to keep tight ends in to block or risk Campbell getting punished. If he’s pressured, mistakes will occur.

Key matchups


Levi Jones • Redskins • LT » Has struggled to react to any moves that start one way and go another. Bad sign.

vs.
Will Smith • Saints • DE » Leads the team with 10 sacks. Can start one way and go another. Bad sign — for Jones.

Carlos Rogers • Redskins • CB » Played better last week, but will be tested more Sunday. Can’t fall for the fakes.

vs.
Marques Colston • Saints • WR » Leads the Saints with 48 receptions and seven TDs; averages 16.8 yards per catch.

Jason Campbell • Redskins • QB » Can’t lock onto WRs downfield. Sharper will make Campbell pay if his eyes give away his intentions.

vs.
Darren Sharper • Saints • FS » Has eight INTs and three touchdowns; excels at reading plays and QBs then breaking decisively.

State of the teams


SAINTS » New Orleans is undefeated and coming off a big home win over New England. Think the Saints are feeling good? Nobody has been more impressive lately. However, they do have some injured defensive players.

REDSKINS » The Redskins are coming off a second consecutive close defeat — and another game they felt they should have won. But this is who they are: a try-hard team that falls short. Albert Haynesworth’s return will help.

Examiner predicts


Washington’s defense will keep this game close for a while. But the Saints have too much firepower, including an underrated run game, to be stopped. And their defense will create opportunities.

Saints 27, Redskins 10


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