They claim this is what they want. A team that has three receivers with at least 20 catches; a team whose quarterback passer rating is in triple digits — before the decimal; a team that scored 34 points in one quarter — against the defending NFC champs.
“You can’t make plays if no one is throwing the ball,” corner Fred Smoot said.
“You have to look forward to it,” corner Shawn Springs said. “The good thing is, you know they’ll chuck the ball down field. … As a corner, you should want that.”
Um, be careful what you ask for. Detroit (3-1) might not have posted a winning record since 2000, but what the Lions are posting now are yards. And, in two of their games at least, a lot of points.
Detroit has the NFL’s top-ranked passing attack, led by quarterback Jon Kitna and receivers Roy Williams (26 catches, 388 yards), Shaun McDonald (21 for 268) and Mike Furrey (20 for 246). And that doesn’t even include talented rookie receiver Calvin Johnson (10 for 189).
“It’s a team to be reckoned with,” linebacker London Fletcher said. “It’s hard to cover up all those guys.”
The trick is slowing an offense that put up 36 points in a win over Oakland and 37 in a win over Chicago (though one score came on an interception return and another on an onsides kick). That could be tough for a secondary with one of their top three corners, Fred Smoot, not having played since the opener; their top safety, Sean Taylor, has a bruised knee.
To slow Detroit, the Redskins likely will mix coverages with a heavy emphasis on cover 2, designed to limit big plays downfield. That defense, when played right, has slowed offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s offenses in the past.
“They’ve been struggling with that,” said corner Carlos Rogers.
Washington also must apply pressure on Kitna, who has been sacked 18 times. He’s only thrown four interceptions, but the Lions have lost an NFL-high six fumbles.
“Their quarterback has taken a lot of hits,” Rogers said. “So there will be a lot of pressure on our defensive line to get after the quarterback. It doesn’t seem like [the Lions] care about that. They just want the ball back to try and score again.”
Said linebacker, and occasional rush end, Marcus Washington, “You’ve got to rely on your pass rush.”
However, Kitna usually gets rid of the ball fast. Therefore, the corners must disrupt the timing with the receivers by jamming them. Andthey must stay confident.
“You understand they make some plays,” Fletcher said, “but you can’t get frustrated by it.”
