The big-bodied tackles, key to stopping the run, might not play. The corners, key to stopping the pass, are either out, still working into game shape or not very good.
It’s not the way Washington wanted to enter a game against the Colts, who can do things offensively: run and pass.
At least Washington received one bit of good news Thursday. Defensive tackle Joe Salave’a was upgraded to probable after missing last week with a strained calf.
But the hard facts are this: The Colts have the NFL’s fourth-ranked offense and it’s healthy; the Redskins (2-4) have the NFL’s 21st-ranked defense and it is not healthy.
Starting tackle Cornelius Griffin remains questionable, meaning rookies Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery will play a lot. Corner Carlos Rogers (thumb) is already out. Corner Shawn Springs is not yet ready for fulltime duty.
And they’re coming off a game in which Tennessee rushed for 194 yards.
“When I found out their tackles were missing, that explained everything,” one NFL source said. “Golston is a tough, hard-nosed kid but those two [rookie tackles] can’t play. … They have too many missing parts on defense.”
Those who are healthy have not produced, starting at linebacker.
“We’ve been fairly good at times and fairly average at times,” linebackers coach Dale Lindsey said. “When you get 190-some yards rushing, the linebackers aren’t plugging the holes and they’re not doing a good job tackling. … Lemar [Marshall] has not played as well as last year, maybe it’s due to his shoulder and knee; maybe he’s not fully recovered.”
The Colts’ offense poses numerous problems starting with quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison. Manning excels at deciphering defenses; the Redskins like to disguise coverages. But their secondary has been burned often and will be using backup corners Kenny Wright and Mike Rumph a lot Sunday. Newly signed safety Troy Vincent also could see time.
“If you’re not on your game and you’re freelancing, he’ll make you look bad,” Springs said of Manning.
Manning also uses a no-huddle offense, making it tough for a coach to sub.
Another problem: Running backs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes have combined for 542 yards with Addai averaging 4.6 per carry.
“You’ve got to play very sound and minimize explosive plays,” Redskins assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said.
But it’s not just on the defense to slow the Colts’ offense; a patient running game can help, too.
“We have to help the offense by [turnovers],” Williams said. “And they have to keep us off the field.”
Week 7 Notes
» Associate head coach for offense Al Saunders said he’s still getting used to running back Clinton Portis, mainly because he was hurt most of training camp and did not return full time until the third game. And he’s removed himself from games for plays at a time.
“It’s obvious what I like,” Portis said. “I have to adapt to his game plan. It’s not made to suit me; it’s a team effort. It’s made to spread the ball around and get touches to all the playmakers. I haven’t been getting the carries I would have expected to get. Eventually it will come. It’s early in the season and it’s a slow grind.”
» Fullback Mike Sellers and cornerback Carlos Rogers (thumb) did not practice. Linebacker Lemar Marshall (ankle), left guard Derrick Dockery (hip) and fullback Mike Sellers (elbow) all missed part of practice Thursday. But all are probable.
» Colts linebacker Cato June graduated from Anacostia High School and rookie safety Antoine Bethea played collegiately at Howard.
June intercepted five passes, two for touchdowns en route to the 2005 Pro Bowl. He hasn’t intercepted a pass yet in ’06.
“He hasn’t had the spectacular year that he had last year,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said, “but he knows our defense and is playing better. He’s much healthier than he was at the end of last year. He hasn’t had the big turnaround plays, but hopefully he has some of those left in him.”
As for Bethea, Dungy said, “From the first day of camp, he’s seemed like a guy who’s very mature and knows what’s going on.”
