High-powered Saints have plenty of weapons
The Redskins know they have to stop Reggie Bush. He’s sneaky out of the backfield, darting about and scaring defenses.
Then again, they know they have to stop Jeremy Shockey. The tight end hurt them in the past. They also have to stop Drew Brees. And Marques Colston.
And, if healthy, Deuce McAllister.
“They’ve got a lot of playmakers,” Redskins linebacker London Fletcher said.
Which makes the Redskins’ (0-1) home opener a dangerous one. And with the offense struggling, Washington’s defense must have a big day if the Redskins want to win Sunday.
The Saints are coming off a 24-20 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday, a game in which Brees threw for 343 yards and the Saints gained 438 overall.
But the Redskins are optimistic because corners Shawn Springs, who missed the opener with a bruised calf, and Fred Smoot, who hurt his hip in the opener, should be ready. Also, they hope, end Jason Taylor will have an improved showing as he rounds back into form while nursing a sprained knee.
“We’ll be better off,” corner Carlos Rogers said.
The importance of three healthy corners can’t be underscored considering the Saints like to use lots of three-receiver sets. They also like to get the ball to the elusive Bush, who had eight catches for 115 yards and another 51 yards rushing against the Buccaneers. They may have to double him at times, just to be safe.
“We’ve got to put special attention on him,” Rogers said.
“He’s very dangerous,” Smoot said. “We just have to be physical with him.”
Then again, the Saints will be too if the 232-pound McAllister, who dressed but did not play Sunday because of a knee injury, can play.
Shockey is another concern. In 10 games vs. Washington, the former Giant has caught 42 passes for 481 yards and 23 first downs, but only one touchdown. Linebacker Marcus Washington will need a good game in coverage.
Washington’s defense was buoyed by its second-half showing vs. New York, when it held the Giants to no points and 98 total yards. But the Giants had their way in the first half, with four scoring drives and 100 yards rushing. Too often, the Redskins applied little pressure on Eli Manning. They did not play the run well.
If they can’t hurry Brees, they’ll be in trouble. One thing they do know: Brees will throw a lot.
“It really excites us,” Smoot said. “It gives us a chance to showcase our skills.”
