Steelers at Redskins » Monday at 8:30 p.m.
TV » ESPN • Radio » 980 AM/SIRIUS 127
Three keys to a Redskins victory
1. ATTACK THE MIDDLE » Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 23 times and hit many others. The Steelers had to replace both guards, one because of free agency and another because of an injury. That’s resulted in some trouble up the middle in terms of picking up blitzes and stunts. Roethlisberger will hold onto the ball too long as well, giving the Redskins time to get to him. If they can’t do this, they will struggle.
2. COMMUNICATE » The Steelers play fast and physical and present numerous looks and blitzes for an offense. That means the line must work in sync to provide a good pocket for Jason Campbell. Pittsburgh will attack heavily off the edges with its linebackers, posing problems for both tackles, Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels. The backs must be decisive in picking up the blitzes. The communication is vital on combination run blocks as well, which they’ve done well vs. other 3-4 fronts.
Recommended Stories
3. BEWARE THE DEEP BALL » With Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington, the Steelers have the receivers to beat teams downfield. Holmes averages 16.4 yard per catch and has a touchdown. Washington averages 18.1 yards and has three scores. One reason Roethlisberger holds onto the ball so long is to find these speedy wideouts. Look for Carlos Rogers to cover one of these wideouts rather than leading receiver Hines Ward. The Redskins have excelled vs. top receivers this season.
Key matchups
| NT Casey Hampton | vs. | C Casey Rabach |
| He doesn’t get a lot of attention, but he’s an excellent player. No 3-4 defense works without a top nose guard. | He’s already faced a few top nose guards this season and has done OK. Penetration up the middle will ruin many runs. | |
| OLB James harrison | vs. | RT Jon Jansen |
| He has 8 1/2 sacks and is an explosive player. In a one-on-one battle, he’ll win more often than not. | He’s done a nice job since returning to the starting lineup, but this is his biggest test in protection. | |
| SS Troy Polamalu | vs. | QB Jason Campbell |
| One of the best playmakers in the game, especially in the box area. He leads Pittsburgh with three interceptions. | Campbell, as you might have heard, hasn’t thrown an interception. He must be aware of Polamalu at all times. |
State of the teams
Like the Redskins, Pittsburgh has its share of ailments. The Steelers are smarting after a tough loss last week. But they’ll get a boost with the return of running back Willie Parker and receiver Santonio Holmes.
Washington is a banged-up, tired team desperate for a bye. They need time off to heal a lot of nagging injuries that could impact them in the second half of the season, not to mention in this game.
The Examiner predicts …
The Redskins’ defense should have a terrific night. But the Steelers’ defense will have a great one. That’s the difference.
Steelers 17, Redskins 14
