Week 3 preview: Redskins at Lions

Keys to the game

1. Touchdowns, please » Anyone hear about the Redskins red zone struggles? We’re guessing you might have since, you know, they can’t score touchdowns in this area. But when you’re playing bad teams, you can’t settle for field goals. It’s a recipe for disaster. Their problems here are not limited to one area; the line has been worse than any playcalling. If that does not improve this week, then a win will be difficult.

2. Attack downfield » The Lions have surrendered eight touchdown passes in two games, albeit to decent quarterbacks. And opposing quarterbacks have completed 80.6 percent of their passes. Jason Campbell’s two highest passer ratings have come vs. Detroit. One way to energize an offense is to connect on big plays. They’ve misfired on just about every downfield attempt. But one big pass play could serve as a springboard for the offense, at least against a bad defense.

3. Rattle the rookie » Quarterback Matthew Stafford has a big arm and could be a special player in a couple years. For now, though, he’s playing behind an average (at best) line and is struggling. One key is forcing the Lions into a passing game by getting a nice early lead. But look for the Redskins to mix up coverages and blitz. Stafford tries to force too many passes (five interceptions) so pressure would exacerbate that flaw.

Key matchups


Chad Rinehart • Redskins • RG » The second-year pro will make his first start — and play for the first time.

vs.
Grady Jackson • Lions • DT » The 13-year veteran won’t apply pressure, but he can be tough to move against the run.

Carlos Rogers • Redskins • CB » Helped cover Johnson last year, limiting him to four catches for 57 yards. 

vs.
Calvin Johnson • Lions • WR » A major threat. He averages 16.6 yards per catch and scored 12 touchdowns in 2008.

Cornelius Griffin • Redskins • DT » He’s thriving thanks to a healthy shoulder and fewer double teams. Stopping the run is top priority.

vs.
Stephen Peterman • Lions • RG » He can’t expect much help as the Lions will try to establish RB Kevin Smith.

State of the teams


LIONS » Detroit has lost 19 straight; go ahead and guess the Lions’ state of mind. Yes, they view this as a game they can win. But rookie QB plus bad defense equals little confidence.

REDSKINS » The Redskins were on the defensive this week after a lackluster win over the Rams. They understand the pressure is starting to mount. It helps that the coach, Jim Zorn, remains unburdened by the pressure.

Examiner predicts


The Lions are a chic pick. But based on what? Well, OK, the Redskins’ struggles. But the reality is, the Lions are a bad team. Campbell is playing well enough to hurt this team.

Redskins 16, Lions 10


[email protected]