Keys to victory 1 Hit QB Tom Brady » The Redskins have a good, but not great, defense. So they have some parts that could work vs. New England. And the best way to slow Brady is to pressure him — though nine of his 10 interceptions have come vs. rushes of four men or less. The secondary must be able to play physical against their receivers, but the line has to generate a consistent rush. Teams that have slowed Brady in recent years have done so this way.
2 Play mistake-free » A key every week, yes. But it’s even more important when you’re missing your top offensive players. New England gives up a lot of yards, so the Redskins need to attack — it’ll be tough to run consistently behind this makeshift line. However, any turnovers against the Patriots gives more opportunities to an explosive offense. Problem is, the Redskins have turned the ball over in 26 straight games and QB Rex Grossman has turned it over in 16 straight games.
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3 Beware of the middle of the field » New England loves throwing over the middle of the field, largely because its talent excels in this area. Receiver Wes Welker has made a living out of passes over the middle, but he’s such a slippery receiver that’s tough to defend. Then there are tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The Redskins have struggled at times vs. tight ends and both are good athletes.
matchups to watch
FS Oshiomogho Atogwe
He’s struggled this season and has been a step slow on too many occasions.
vs.
QB Tom Brady
Few are better at toying with safeties than Brady, who has thrown 291 career TD passes.
LB Brian Orakpo
He loves to bull rush, which could be beneficial Sunday. Orakpo needs consistent pressure.
vs.
LT Matt Light
He plays with excellent technique but is not considered a strong player.
RB Roy Helu
He’ll need to do even more on his own now that he’s missing even more blockers.
vs.
LB Jerod Mayo
New England’s best tackler could have a lot of clean paths to the ball carrier.
Expert’s Take
“[Wes Welker] just has a natural feel and a non-verbal communication with Tom [Brady]. They have so many choice routes that they run and he knows exactly what he wants to do based on the defense. He’s a tough guy and he’s a smart guy. [The problem is] they spread things out pretty good and when they do that the defense has to tip their hand.”
– Hall of Fame QB and CBS analyst Dan Fouts
Examiner Predicts
The Redskins aren’t in a position to pull an upset, not after losing two excellent players on offense. The Patriots’ defense isn’t good, but it’ll be good enough.
Patriots 28, Redskins 10
