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KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Control the weapons » It’ll be tough to stop receiver Calvin Johnson with one guy, so expect plenty of safety help. Still, he, tight end Brandon Pettigrew and, at times, running back Jahvid Best are good players. Pettigrew could give the Redskins fits. Best has been inconsistent, partly because of a toe injury. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, returning from a Week 1 injury, has potential. But the Redskins must pressure him. He’s an inaccurate passer, which leads to turnover possibilities.
2. Attack downfield » Detroit has allowed 10 touchdown catches in six games and opposing wideouts average 11.7 yards per catch. The Lions lack a corner who would start on a good defense; second-year safety Louis Delmas is a nice player, but is nothing special. Detroit’s linebackers aren’t very good, either, so there will be coverage issues with this group, too. Opposing quarterbacks have averaged 7.33 yards per attempt and have a passer rating of 86.9.
3. Control the D-line » This doesn’t just go for when they pass, but also on the ground. Detroit’s strength defensively is its line. Neutralize this group and the points will fly. But that won’t be easy, not for a Redskins line that has struggled itself. The biggest mismatch will be guard Kory Lichtensteiger vs. tackle Ndamukong Suh, who already has four sacks. And left tackle Trent Williams gets another tough test in end Kyle Vanden Bosch.
KEY MATCHUPS
| Redskins | Lions | |
|
LB Brian Orakpo » He already has seven sacks and 28 quarterback hurries. Translation: he’s good. |
vs. | LT Jeff Backus » He’s always under fire, it seems, from Detroit fans. There’s a reason. |
| DT Albert Haynesworth » Coming off his best game, this defense is much better when he’s motivated. | vs. | C Dominic Raiola » He’ll likely double team Haynesworth often, at least when he rushes inside. |
| RB Ryan Torain » Trying for his third straight 100-yard game. He needs to be more consistent in protection. | vs. | MLB DeAndre Levy » He’s playing with an injured ankle, so Torain off-tackle could be a big play. |
STATE OF THE TEAMS
LIONS » Detroit is playing much better than its 1-5 record indicates. The Lions have lost four games by eight points or less. So there’s a belief they’re headed in the right direction, for a change.
REDSKINS » Lucky or good, Washington is developing a sense that they’re learning how to close games. But will the looming bye week create a distraction? Players have talked about the week off, a bad sign.
EXAMINER PREDICTS …
Detroit plays a lot of close games — four losses are by eight points or less. But this also means they haven’t learned how to win yet. A bad defense doesn’t help.
Redskins 20, Lions 17
