Last week the Redskins were a stop on the Tom Brady & co. revenge tour. I won’t get too much into that, but just keep in mind that the rest of the NFC-E still has to play them as well, the Redskins were just first in line. The Giants play them this week.
As for the Saints, they’ve been a roller coaster to say the least. Last week they lost to a Titans team that going into that game had 1 win. The only consistent for the Saints has been Drew Brees who has been on absolute fire. We’ll get more into that later…
I wouldn’t go as far as to say this is another “code red” scenario for the Redskins, but if they have any chance of staying competitive in the division…they can’t afford to lose.
Let’s look at the keys to the game and what it will take for the Redskins to knock off the Saints:
Drew Brees
I’m sure everyone knew this would be the top priority. The guy has been absolute fire. Despite not getting much help from anyone around him, he already has 18 TD’s this season and should be on his way to another Pro Bowl. If you look at his game the only flaw is the interceptions. He has thrown an interception in every game this year minus two of them. He’s a gunslinger, and INT’s are going to happen.
Another stat that favors the Redskins is that Brees is exceptionally better when he plays at home. Luckily, this week the Saints will be playing at FedEx Field. This season Brees has 14 TD’s at home, compared to only 4 while on the road. While playing on grass he has 3 TD’s and 2 INT’s.
Healthy CB’s
This week the Washington Redskins could get back Deangelo Hall and finally have all of the CB’s on the field at the same time.
Bashaud Breeland has been the defensive MVP of this team, and has also been one of the most consistent players on the team. Even on plays when Breeland gave up a play, he was right there and luck just didn’t work out in his favor. Even after suffering a hamstring injury that kept a certain player on this team out for half the season, Breeland returned right after the bye and got into action. Breeland has an opportunity to make a big difference in this game.
Chris Culliver is back but played shaky last week against the Patriots. Yes, I know…all CB’s do, but at the same time Culliver has not lived up as the shutdown corner we hoped he would be at the half way mark. In fact, Will Blackmon has looked better and has been more dependable this season.
We all know the Saints are going to sling the ball, the key will be to not get beat deep and allow Brees to get into any kind of rhythm. It will be a tough challenge for the CB’s, but the opportunity will be there for them to make a play.
I hate to say it, but the last time the Saints played an NFC-E opponent, Brees threw 7 TD’s and tied the NFL record. Can’t let Brees get hot or things could go south real quick.
Take advantage of a BAD Saints Defense
The Saints Defense is allowing 415 yards of Offense a game. They are allowing 293 yards of passing p/g, 122 rush yards p/g, and 29 pts p/g.
To say it nice…the Saints Defense is AWFUL.
The Redskins Offense will have the opportunity to make big plays and get points on the board. This game has potential to be Kirk Cousins best game of the year statistically, and could be a game where the offense puts up over 30 points.
Also, now is the time for the Redskins running attack to get things going again. They’ve been beyond bad…Alfred Morris has been invisible, Matt Jones has shown flashes but his fumbles are an issue, and Chris Thompson has been the biggest positive of the 3 so far this season. There’s no excuse this week, and no reason why the Redskins shouldn’t be able to have a nice day on the ground.
My only fear is that if this game turns into a shoot out, no way am I betting against Drew Brees.
Linebacker play MUST be better
Prior to the season starting, most fans of the Redskins looked at Keenan Robinson as a potential Pro Bowl player. He had a very solid season last year and showed flashes that he can be an anchor to this defense. Well, the truth is that he has looked anything but that this season. He’s been extremely inconsistent and is getting pushed around out there. There are times when it looks like he isn’t even hitting the correct holes. It’s a mystery to all of us, as to why he is playing so poorly. The other thing to keep an eye on is that he is in a contract year. I personally thought he was a lock to be brought back next season, but now I’m leaning towards letting him walk. Scot McCloughan has said that the players he will reward with new contracts are the ones who earn it. As much as it pains me to say it, Robinson hasn’t earned anything this year. Not to mention, not too many fans were happy with his negative comments made about them on Twitter. As far as this week goes, Robinson is Questionable to play with an injury and even if he plays he will probably be limited.
Perry Riley has been in my dog house for awhile now, by that I mean for a few years now. I hate to sound like a jerk and harp on this BUT this unit has been BAD. Riley is almost guaranteed to get beat when he falls back into coverage, and has just been completely ineffective.
Will Compton has been the most consistent of the 3. He’s had his moments that leave you scratching your head, but if you look at the tape of the 3 he’s the one that I would give the nod to. This could be his week to grab ahold of the starting job, due to Robinson’s injury. Jay Gruden said he expects for Compton to get significant playing time.
MLB is the core of the defense, and I believe a big reason that this team has struggled against the run is due to how poorly the MLB’s have been playing. Everything trickles down from it. I wouldn’t be surprised at all of the Saints focus on running the ball with Mark Ingram this game.
Either way, much like Robinson called out the fans…I’m calling this unit out. Step up, this team needs you.
Desean Jackson
I’ve been hard on Jackson and his injury situation, not to mention I don’t agree with the comments that he made after last week’s game…however this guy needs the ball in his hands. If he’s going to be out there, you have to take some shots. Even if you don’t connect every time, let the defense know that he’s there and if caught sleeping will get burned deep.
I would like to see the Redskins add a big target WR in the offseason, and I’m on record for saying that I think the team could move on from Jackson. But the bottom line is that the season is still in progress and he’s out there and there are big plays to be had.
This is a great matchup for Jackson, and he could be in for a big day.
HOLD ONTO THE BALL
You get paid millions of dollars to catch a football, the least you can do is CATCH THE BALL. I was embarrassed, and I hope they were as well with how all of the receivers looked to start the game against New England. Help your QB out and make a play, no excuses.
moving on…
PROS:
#1: The Saints defense. As I said above, they are terrible. No way else to say it. The Redskins offense has a great opportunity ahead, hopefully they take advantage.
#2: Drew Brees isn’t playing at home. He is a completely different QB while on the road, especially on grass.
#3: Redskins health. This is the first time all season the Redskins have not officially ruled any player OUT going into the game…could be the healthiest they’ve been all season.
CONS:
#1: Drew Brees. He is on fire right now, and one of the last QB’s in the NFL you want to get into a shoot out with. I could put his name in all 3 slots on the “cons”.
#2: Redskins rushing defense stays bad. Mark Ingram could have a nice day on the ground.
#3: MLB play…I’ve already ranted about this, but Will Compton has an opportunity to step up this week.
New Orleans Saints vs Washington Redskins is this Sunday at 1PM EST on FOX.
As always follow me on Twitter @anthonyraposa for all things Redskins as well as your news and outlook.
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