keys to victory 1 Control the clock » The Redskins moved the ball pretty well last week, but the defense failed to help out by getting off the field. Still, the offense must go on long drives and shorten the game. That doesn’t just mean run the ball all the time. Against Carolina, the Redskins controlled the ball through the air in the second half. Quarterback John Beck does a nice job of taking what’s available. Patience is key.
2 Win the turnover battle » This is such a clich? that it’s difficult to even put this as a key. It is one every week, right? However, when you haven’t won a turnover battle yet this season and you’ve lost two straight games and you’re facing a team that has intercepted 12 passes, this is vital. The Redskins have forced 15 fumbles and recovered only three? That needs to change. Losing streaks end because of such plays.
3 Cover better » First, the Redskins must disrupt the timing of the passing game. But if not, they must do a better job covering in the secondary than they have of late. The Bills create matchup issues because they often spread the field with four wideouts. The Redskins need to press more with Kevin Barnes and Josh Wilson, both of whom struggled last week. The Bills get a lot of yards after the catch, so improved tackling is another must.
Key matchups
NT Barry Cofield
The Bills like to run the ball up the middle; also, his ability to tip passes will help.
vs.
C Eric Wood
He has good size (6-foot-4, 311 pounds) and is considered strong. He has 30 career starts.
LB Brian Orakpo
Quick passes make pressuring difficult, but he should have a mismatch … again.
vs.
LT Andy Levitre
He’s versatile and usually starts at guard, but he’ll be the Bills third left tackle this season.
LB London Fletcher
Shifty backs have made him miss too often the past two games. He needs a strong day.
vs.
RB Fred Jackson
He’s an explosive do-it-all back who can hurt teams with his legs and hands.
Expert’s Take
“If I’m playing against a spread and I have the corners and safeties to do it, which I think the Redskins do, I’d play press and go after them. Be aggressive. Try to disrupt those releases at the line of scrimmage. They have good receivers; they’re not big-name guys. I would try to rough them up at the line.”
– Matt Bowen, ex-Redskin and National Football Post columnist
Examiner predicts …
The Redskins’ defense gives up a lot of yards to good offenses; Buffalo has one. And Washington hasn’t tackled well.
Bills 27, Redskins 21
