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KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Blitz » The Bears have allowed 27 sacks, a combination of poor scheming and a porous line. The right side, with former Redskin Edwin Williams at guard and rookie J’Marcus Webb at tackle, is particularly vulnerable. They struggle with simple blitzes so a couple exotic rushes would fool them. Quarterback Jay Cutler also holds the ball a long time looking downfield, giving the rush more time to do damage.
2. Beware the speed » The Bears want to go downfield because they have a strong-armed quarterback in Cutler and a lot of speed at receiver with Johnny Knox and Devin Hester. Knox leads the Bears wideouts with 18 catches, but averages 21.8 yards per catch. However, he hasn’t caught a touchdown pass yet. Hester only averages 11.7 yards per catch, but part of that is because he catches more short passes.
3. Block better » Ryan Torain rushed for 100 yards last week because he made defenders miss and because the Colts couldn’t tackle. However, the Redskins can’t rely on a repeat performance considering how strong Chicago’s run defense is (ranked third in the NFL allowing 3.5 yards per carry and 84.0 yards per game). The Redskins must be concerned with two players in particular: middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and weakside linebacker Lance Briggs.
KEY MATCHUPS
| Redskins | Bears | |
|
LT Trent Williams » Another elite pass rusher; Williams hasn’t allowed many sacks, but has been beaten. |
vs. | DE Julius Peppers » Seattle rookie LT Russell Okung shut him down last week. Peppers also will face RT Jammal Brown. |
| LB Brian Orakpo » He has five sacks, but was inconsistent vs. Colts last week. This could be a big week. | vs. | LT Frank Omlyale » The sixth-year pro is one of the few vets on this line. Hasn’t exactly drawn rave reviews. |
| LB London Fletcher » Coming off a 16-tackle game; should be able to run free to the ball vs. this front. | vs. | RB Matt Forte » A threat running (311 yards) or catching (271 yards). He’s scored six touchdowns. |
STATE OF THE TEAMS
BEARS » Chicago has won four games despite having a terrible offensive line. The Bears are one of the more mysterious teams in the league, simply because it’s hard to figure out how they’re 4-2.
REDSKINS » Washington is probably as healthy as they’ve been all season, save for Clinton Portis. And with Albert Haynesworth back, the defense should be improved. Not losing tight end Chris Cooley for a week provided a major sigh of relief for the offense.
EXAMINER PREDICTS …
It’ll be difficult for Washington’s offense to move the ball and to score. But the defense will set up some points. Maybe Carlos Rogers hangs onto a pick this week.
Redskins 17, Bears 14
