1. What do they lose without Brandon Banks? Field position. For an offense that struggles, he basically would get them a first down every time he touched the ball. Also, vs. Philadelphia in the first meeting, he had long returns on punts that others would not have fielded or attempted to return. If this offense is forced to drive long distances, it will suffer. It’s not like Banks’ 13.8-yard punt return average is built on a couple runs. Of his 17 returns, 10 have been for 16 yards or more.
2. How healthy is the backfield? The Redskins need Ryan Torain or Clinton Portis to play Monday night. At this point, Torain is much more likely than Portis. In the first game, both backs had success, though Portis left with a groin injury. Torain excelled at cutting back, getting help from the tight ends. But Torain is not consistent in protection, nor is rookie Keiland Williams. And that could be a factor Monday.
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3. Can they stop Michael Vick? They had to knock him out of the first game for that to happen. Vick’s presence changes what they can do defensively. They have to honor his legs but if you use a safety too often to spy on him, it sets up deep passes to DeSean Jackson. Play too much man coverage and it opens up running lanes. The Redskins will have to play patient and excel in the red zone. Vick will make plays. Also note: Vick has thrown 154 straight passes without an interception.
4. Will Donovan McNabb start to get the offense? What better way to open the second half of the season, and after a benching no less, than against the team that traded you. But what would help more is a return to better health. McNabb has been affected on some of his throws by his injured hamstrings as he failed to use his lower body on a couple passes. It made a huge difference. McNabb did not play well vs. Philly in the first game and if the Redskins have any hope for the postseason, he needs a good game.
5. Will the line be improved? The pass protection likely will remain an issue until Portis returns. But there’s no doubt the line can block better — they’ve struggled on the left side with stunts and that must change. Will it? They also need to do a better job of limiting tackles from penetrating on the stretch runs. The backs are having to cut too deep to be consistent.
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