Saints at Redskins
1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14 • TV » FOX • Radio » 980 AM/SIRIUS 152
Recommended Stories
Three keys to a Redskins victory
1. Establish a rhythm » The Redskins must do what they can to get Jason Campbell into a good rhythm early. That means more quick passes (find Chris Cooley, please) and limiting his options on a play. They also need to get Clinton Portis going early, which, in turn, would help the offense’s rhythm as a whole. That’s a very possible task. New Orleans allowed 7.3 yards a run in the opener; yes, the Redskins will try to run.
2. Beware the Saints’ backs » Obviously, that means Reggie Bush, but it’s not just him. Bush is dangerous, though he was inconsistent his first two years. Has he turned a corner? The Saints will find creative ways to get him the ball. But the Redskins also must stop Pierre Thomas and, if he plays, Deuce McAllister. Both can hurt them on the ground while Bush can hurt them in a variety of ways. A swarming defense stops Bush.
3. Pressure Brees » If Saints quarterback Drew Brees can sit in the pocket with no pressure, he will pick apart the Redskins — even without Marques Colston. Brees is highly accurate and makes good decisions. The Redskins must disrupt his timing. But beware: The Saints love throwing screen passes, an antidote to pressure. Still, the ends must apply more pressure than a week ago. The Redskins did have some success last week with light, but quick, ends Erasmus James and Chris Wilson, rushing inside.
Key matchups
| TE Jeremy Shockey vs. LB Marcus Washington | |
| Has hurt the Redskins in the past. He’s a terrific blocker who could give end Jason Taylor fits in the run game. | He might be a gametime decision. Washington has improved in coverage, but it’s still a weakness. He’ll get help. |
| CB Tracy Porter vs. WR Santana Moss | |
| He had a terrific first game last week, batting away two critical passes. But he’s a rookie and will get picked on. | Eventually, the Skins must hit some deep passes; Moss is the one who scares defenses long. He can beat these corners. |
| DE Charles Grant vs. RT Stephon Heyer | |
| He had one sack in the opener. If rookie DT Sedrick Ellis is a handful inside, Grant will get less attention outside. | He had a so-so opener vs. the Giants; he often gets shoved back but his long arms help keep rushers away. |
State of the teams
A slow start doomed New Orleans last year, so the Saints have a strong sense of urgency. But they have holes, including a defense that played well last week, but is still growing.
Washington’s locker room was very upbeat and lively, starting the morning after the Giants’ loss. The Redskins are either a loose bunch or lack urgency. They’d better hope it’s the former.
The Examiner predicts…
The Redskins’ offense has looked dreadful for nearly a month. Can they turn it around so fast? It’s hard to trust that they will.
Saints 21, Redskins 17
