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Keys to the game
1. Test the rookies » The Rams have rookie starters at middle linebacker in James Laurinaitis and at right tackle in Jason Smith. Laurinaitis was solid in the opener, but did bite on a play-action for a touchdown. Strongside linebacker David Vobora is making his third career start; capitalize. Meanwhile, Smith should be tested by Andre Carter’s speed in pass situations. Smith sometimes plays too upright; speed guys should pounce. See how he handles overloads from that side, too.
2. Power the ball » This is not to say they should stay conservative. But if the Redskins identity is tied to the run game, then they should make sure it gets untracked. Their passing game is too inconsistent for it to become their identity. The Seahawks had a lot of success on the ground vs. St. Louis last week. But this means players such as Stephon Heyer must improve their run-blocking.
3. Be creative with Moss » The Redskins don’t want to force the ball to Santana Moss when he’s double teamed. Nothing wrong with that thinking. But they do need to get him the ball. Nobody else provides the quick-score threat he does. That means he’ll have to be moved around much more than in the opener vs. New York to free him of the double teams. Defenses can still double when he goes in motion, but it makes it tougher.
Key matchups
Stephon Heyer • Redskins • RT » Coming off a tough opener; has to become a bigger factor in the run game.
vs.
Leonard Little • Rams • DE » Rams’ all-time sack leader (81) is still effective — had six last season despite hamstring injury.
Jason Campbell • Redskins • QB » He doesn’t take many shots downfield and has thrown just 7 INTs in his past 17 games.
vs.
Oshiomogho Atogwe • Rams • FS » Has intercepted 14 passes since 2007, second most in the NFL; already has one this season.
Albert Haynesworth • Redskins • DT » Others must capitalize on opportunities he creates, especially in passing situations.
vs.
Jacob Bell • Rams • LG » Will get help from C Jason Brown, who criticized Haynesworth’s conditioning this summer.
State of the teams
RAMS » St. Louis was horrendous for the final three quarters of its 28-0 loss at Seattle. They know they need to play with more discipline under new coach Steve Spagnuolo.
REDSKINS » Despite a season-opening loss at New York, the Redskins remained upbeat. They were in the same position last year and recovered nicely. This is a loose bunch, save for one high-priced defensive tackle..
Examiner predicts
The Redskins usually suffer some sort of letdown against teams this bad. But the Rams aren’t ready to win; they created three turnovers last week in one quarter and could not score.
Redskins 27, Rams 10
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