Browns at Redskins » Sunday at 4:15
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Three keys to a Redskins victory
1 CONTROL THE GROUND » Both teams like to punish teams with their running game. The Browns finally have a healthy line and Jamal Lewis remains an effective — and very tough — runner. He’s the most punishing back they’ll have faced since Brandon Jacobs in the opener. But the Redskins will be able to run on the Browns, especially when mammoth nose guard Shaun Rogers is out of the game. After tough losses, it’s always good to get rejuvenated with a physical attack.
2 WATCH THE EYES » The Browns have intercepted nine passes, including three off the Giants’ Eli Manning on Monday. They do an excellent job of reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking on the ball. If Jason Campbell locks onto his receivers, they will make him pay. The Browns don’t have a lot of sacks, but have applied enough pressure to cause some quarterbacks to feel uncomfortable in the pocket.
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3 RATTLE ANDERSON » If Browns quarterback Derek Anderson gets on a roll, he’s difficult to stop. Just ask the Giants. They did not pressure him enough, allowing him to find his rhythm for the first time all season. Anderson gets rid of the ball quickly. So one way to slow him is by doing what the Redskins do best: disguise coverages. Anderson spread the ball around better last week, but tends to force passes — especially in the red zone.
Key matchups
| NG Shaun Rogers | vs. | C Casey Rabach |
| He’s listed at 350 pounds, but is more than a few pounds north of that number. But his agility, combined with size, makes life difficult. | He’ll receive plenty of help from both guards, but Rabach will have a tough day nonetheless. The stretch runs should help him. | |
| WR Braylon Edwards | vs. | CB Carlos Rogers |
| He caught 16 touchdown passes last year and is a big-time playmaker downfield. He snapped out of a four-game slump Monday. | Will Rogers alone cover him? That’s uncertain. Regardless, both Rogers and Shawn Springs, if healthy, will have their chances. | |
| RT Ryan Tucker | vs. | DE Jason Taylor |
| He started last week for the first time this season, solidifying the right side of the line. But he’s still banged up. | He has yet to make an impact with the Redskins, partly because of injuries. He struggles against the run. |
State of the teams
The Browns were a mixture of excited and relieved after beating the Giants. They now feel they’ve regained their swagger from last season’s 10-6 team. They’re also more confident because they’re almost at peak health.
The Redskins understand how much they blew a golden opportunity vs. St. Louis. They now have to prove they have staying power as a contender. The only way to do that is by winning a game they’re supposed to win.
The Examiner predicts …
The Browns look much better than a week ago, but one game doesn’t make for a turnaround. The Redskins are more proven.
Redskins 24, Browns 17
