The problem isn’t the guy on the left side. Nor is it the guy on the right side. If only it were that simple. The trouble is when an offense has to block both of them.
Too many times, offenses have failed to do so, allowing Pittsburgh outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley to combine for 16 of the team’s 25 sacks.
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When it comes to Washington’s main priority vs. Pittsburgh on Monday, stopping the linebackers — as well as the Steelers’ blitz — tops the list. Otherwise quarterback Jason Campbell, and the Redskins’ offense, will have a long night.
“We have to put a premium on protecting him,” Redskins tight end Chris Cooley said.
This is Washington’s third game against a 3-4 defensive front. However, unlike Dallas and Cleveland, the Steelers 3-4 is built more on linebacker speed.
“You never know which group of linebackers, or linebacker, is coming,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. “It’s really a problem.”
Because of the pressure, Campbell will have to make quick decisions and protect the ball in the pocket. Compounding matters is Pittsburgh’s stinginess against the run; the Steelers rank third. Strong safety Troy Polamalu often plays near the line of scrimmage creating havoc.
“We just have to block them and throw in rhythm,” Zorn said. “We have a rhythm passing game and that will help and what will also help us is we have a decent running game. You almost have to wait and see what you can do against a team like this. You can’t force certain things. They say, ‘You can’t do this today, sorry.’ And you’ve got to do something else.
“They can only play with 11 guys. So our biggest need is to figure out where their 11 are and get after it.”
Redskins notes
» Running back Clinton Portis was named the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Month after rushing for 575 yards. Santana Moss was named the NFC’s Special Teams Player of the month after returning a punt 80 yards for a touchdown Sunday.
» Moss (hamstring), Portis (hip), S LaRon Landry (hamstring), CB Carlos Rogers (ankle), LG Pete Kendall (knees), RB Rock Cartwright (knee), DE Jason Taylor (calf) and CB Shawn Springs (calf) did not practice. Springs and Taylor won’t play Monday; the others all are hopeful of playing.
