Keys to victory 1 Stop the run » The Jets have not run the ball as well this season according to the statistics. However, that has changed over the past five games. Shonn Greene is averaging more yards per game in that stretch than every back in the NFL but four. The line is healthy again and that has helped. While the Jets’ passing game can be dynamic because of their receivers, they can’t rely on the pass because of Mark Sanchez’s unpredictability.
2 Capitalize through the air » The Jets lack an elite rusher, but they try to pressure through their schemes. It sometimes works. But they’re weak in the middle, both at linebacker and safety, in coverage. Tight ends have had success against the Jets, so the Redskins should be able to find Fred Davis. A big key for Washington will be avoiding obvious pass situations so the Jets have to stay in their base defense where they struggle to pressure.
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3 Run wide » There are two reasons for this: one, the Jets’ nose tackle Sione Pouha is playing at an excellent level and could be headed to the Pro Bowl after this season. But also: Jets right end Mike DeVito is not expected to play this week because of an injury, and he’s an underrated player. That’s good news especially for guard Maurice Hurt who has struggled against good players.
Key matchups
C Will Montgomery
If the Redskins want to have any success on the ground, he must hold his own.
vs.
NT Sione Pouha
He’s playing at a Pro Bowl level and could give Montgomery fits.
CB DeAngelo Hall
He’s coming off a solid game, but he can’t blow more interceptions.
vs.
WR Plaxico Burress
He has the size to hurt any team and is a major threat in the red zone.
LB Brian Orakpo
He’s seeing fewer double teams but also better tackles. He rushed well Sunday.
vs.
LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Former Redskin Andre Carter dominated him, but he’s been solid most of the season.
Expert’s Take
“[Even Denver’s Tim] Tebow found guys down the field. There are plays to be made. They’re not an elite defense by any stretch. They have an elite scheme, they have a very good coach. They don’t beat themselves. They tackle well and they do the fundamentals well. They get off blocks but they don’t have elite talent on that side of the ball.”
– NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger
Examiner predicts
The Jets are a better team. But the Redskins are playing better and have matchups they can exploit. They pull off the upset.
Redskins 21, Jets 20
