1. Attack man coverage » The Raiders play almost exclusively man coverage with their corners, a tough tactic. Though Nnamdi Asomugha rarely gets tested, there are holes in the secondary. If they can use a lot of bunch formations and ‘pick plays’ they could have success downfield. Oakland is second worst in the NFL in allowing pass plays of 40 yards or longer. This is a chance for Washington to make more big plays downfield.

2. Run the ball » Oakland is 30th against the run and while the Redskins haven’t cracked 100 yards the past three games — they must continue to try. Quinton Ganther’s ability to make guys miss at the line is helpful. Losing fullback Mike Sellers won’t help, but the Redskins still must stay committed to the ground game. The three-man committee must be abandoned. Rock Cartwright should be the third-down guy; Ganther the every-down back.

3. Contain Gradkowski » He’s not Vince Young when it comes to athleticism and making plays on the run. However, he is capable of hurting teams when he gets outside the pocket. Just ask Pittsburgh. He’s elusive more than he his mobile, but that trait works just fine. He’s also rather accurate. The Raiders will send their speedy receivers deep and if Bruce Gradkowski buys time with his legs, he’ll be able to find them (most likely Louis Murphy).

Key matchups


Stephon Heyer • Redskins • RT » He was decent vs. New Orleans, but that’s about it. His run blocking must improve.

vs.
Richard Seymour • Raiders • DE » He got off to a good start, but has been rather ordinary. Still, he’ll pose problems.

Santana Moss • Redskins • WR » Has one game with more than 75 yards receiving this season and eight with less than 50.

vs.
Nnamdi Asomugha • Raiders • CB » Moss finally gets man coverage! Alas, he draws the best man-defender in Asomugha.

Reed Doughty • Redskins • SS » The linebackers also will be responsible for covering Miller, but Doughty will have his chances.

vs.
Zach Miller • Raiders • TE » At 6-5, provides a height mismatch. He leads the Raiders with 43 catches and has a 14.3-yard average.

State of the teams


RAIDERS » Oakland is coming off an emotional comeback win over the Steelers and also have defeated Cincy and Philly. Journeyman QB Bruce Gradkowski, of all people, has energized the offense. They’re playing with confidence.

REDSKINS » The Redskins have dropped three straight close games, blowing fourth-quarter leads each time. They’re still playing hard, as they should, and remain upbeat. But they also might be without two defensive standouts. Not good.

Examiner predicts


Don’t feel good about this one with DeAngelo Hall and Albert Haynesworth likely out. But it’s hard to imagine a Gradkowski repeat. OK, not that hard. Still …

Redskins 17, Raiders 16


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