Sunday • 1 p.m. • TV » FOX • Radio » 92.7 & 94.3 FM/730 & 980 AM/Sirius 126
KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Slow Chris Johnson » The Titans running back has not had as many explosive runs as a year ago. But he’s coming off his fifth 100-yard game of the season and is as dangerous as any runner in the league. A small crease is all he needs to race past tacklers. Washington hasn’t tackled well in the secondary, particularly safety Kareem Moore. If he and others continue to take bad angles, they’ll struggle. Eight-man fronts will be a common occurrence.
2. Make a big play early » This is good to do in any game, but especially after losing two straight, including by 31 less than a week earlier. The Redskins need a confidence boost and they need something good to happen immediately, like an interception, a sustained drive for a touchdown, or even a few defensive stops in a row. They beat Philadelphia on the road because they hit hard early. They won at Chicago with numerous stops. They need to repeat that formula.
3. Block » Tennessee has one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, partly because it rotates eight players along the front. It keeps them fresh and wears down offensive lines. Too often of late quarterback Donovan McNabb has little time to throw — it’s not just the offensive line. But it does start with them. More importantly, they must do a better job when cut blocking on stretch runs. There’s too much penetration to have consistent success.
KEY MATCHUPS
| Redskins | Titans | |
|
RT Jammal Brown » He’s battled hip injuries and a mild concussion and has rotated with Stephon Heyer. |
vs. | DE Jason Babin » The converted outside linebacker leads the Titans with seven sacks. |
| FS Kareem Moore » He has not lived up to preseason promise. The Titans will go after him. | vs. | QB Vince Young » He has a couple deep weapons to work with, including WR Randy Moss. |
| LB Brian Orakpo » He leads the Redskins with 7 1/2 sacks and needs to make something happen. | vs. | LT Michael Roos » He’s one of the NFL’s top tackles, but will be tested by Orakpo’s athleticism. |
STATE OF THE TEAMS
TITANS » Tennessee is 5-4 and has been inconsistent. The Titans look like an elite team one week, beating the Eagles by 18, only to lose the next two. Injuries at quarterback haven’t helped.
REDSKINS » Washington has lost two straight and the questions are starting to mount. The defense, for years the bedrock of the team, needs to re-prove itself. And the offense can’t score when it matters. Other than that …
EXAMINER PREDICTS …
Washington just isn’t playing well. Things can change, but what can the Redskins rely on? Both the offense and defense are struggling.
Titans 24, Redskins 14
