Sunday • 8:20 p.m. • TV » NBC • Radio » 92.7 & 94.3 FM/730 & 980 AM/Sirius 126
KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Attack the Colts » Considering the Colts average 27.2 points per game, and have been held to less than 24 points once this season, the Redskins will have to score. And in the last two years when playing all their starters, they’ve been held to fewer than 20 points four times. Plus their secondary has issues at strong safety and the corners are only average. The Redskins must run the ball well, but they won’t win with just a strong running game.
2. Tighten the zone coverage » The Redskins have had issues in other games with their zone coverage in the secondary (and with the linebackers). Peyton Manning will find any soft spots and expose them repeatedly, especially with tight end Dallas Clark. But one thing that would help the zones is causing a little hesitation in Manning, as the Chiefs did last week. The Redskins are good at making quarterbacks guess how many defenders are rushing — not to mention who’s coming.
3. Succeed in the red zone » The Colts will move the ball on Washington; everyone else has and considering Manning is on the other side, more of the same is expected. But Indianapolis is fourth in the NFL in red zone offense. The Redskins are 14th defensively. They must win here Sunday. The same is true on offense; field goals won’t beat the Colts. Washington has managed just three touchdowns on 13 red zone drives. That must change.
KEY MATCHUPS
| Redskins | Colts | |
|
CB Carlos Rogers » He’s playing at a high level, though he could elevate himself by actually holding onto a pass. |
vs. | WR Reggie Wayne » He won’t just face Rogers, but he’s the leading receiver and an excellent route-runner. |
| LT Trent Williams » He’s played well vs. other good ends, but he’s also banged up. Will that matter? | vs. | DE Dwight Freeney » His quickness also makes him effective vs. the run. But he can be a dominant rusher. |
| RT Jammal Brown » Coming off a tough game that ended with an injury. Brown is still adjusting to right tackle. | vs. | DE Robert Mathis » Small (245 pounds) but quick. He has four sacks this season and 67 for his career. |
STATE OF THE TEAMS
COLTS » Indianapolis is not playing like a team coming off an AFC championship. Yet the Colts are still 3-2. They have injury issues, their defense is inconsistent and the running game needs improving. But they have Peyton Manning.
REDSKINS » The confidence continues to grow for Washington, thanks to three close wins. It’s strengthened a bond that was strong at the start. It helps, too, that Donovan McNabb, gives them a chance in any game.
EXAMINER PREDICTS …
The Redskins have been living right in some of their wins, but they’re also beating expected contenders. But Manning could have a field day vs. the zone.
Colts 27, Redskins 23
