Five potential keys to matchup vs. Saints
No game may challenge the Washington Redskins’ defense more than Monday night’s meeting with the Saints in New Orleans. The Saints are averaging 34 points a game, third-most in the NFL, and they did it without running back Mark Ingram, who rushed for 1,124 yards last season. Ingram returns this week from suspension, making an already explosive offense even more powerful. But as dominant as New Orleans is on offense, its defense will give up yards. The 30 points the Saints are allowing each game are the fourth-worst in the league. The Redskins will be able to score, but they will have to limit the Saints’ big plays. If they fall too far behind, they are not built to catch up quickly. Tonight, 8:15 TV: ESPN Radio: 980 AM Control Alvin Kamara: In just his second year, the Saints running back has become one of the NFL’s most explosive players — third in the league in receptions and eighth in rushing yards. Washington has to know where he is at all times. Several Redskins have talked about swarming to him when he gets the ball and say it may take more than one player to corral Kamara, despite the fact he is one of the smallest players on the field.
They can’t focus on him too much, though. Ingram will test the strength of the Redskins’ front seven as well, and New Orleans has so many weapons, Washington might not be able to put two defenders on Kamara as much as it would like. That’s why it will be critical to limit the damage Kamara can do. Don’t get beaten by the big plays: Two weeks ago, the Redskins were able to hold off the Packers because they kept Aaron Rodgers from making too many big plays. Aside from a 64-yard touchdown pass to Geronimo Allison late in the first half, Washington kept Rodgers from beating them with big throws.
The Saints can score quickly, often late in games after the early grind of their run game has worn down opponents. The Redskins can’t have a repeat of last year when New Orleans came from 15 points down in the last 5:58 to tie the game, winning in overtime. Get pressure on Drew Brees: A big part of the reason the Saints’ offense moves so well is that Brees barely faces a pass rush. Some of this is due to his own efficiency. Much like New England’s Tom Brady, Brees has an excellent sense for knowing where his receivers will be at all times and can quickly throw the ball. He is especially lethal when finding receiver Maurice Harris, who has received a 91 percent grade from Profootballfocus.com this season when lining up in the slot.
Brees is not a tall quarterback so it is essential for pass rushers to get into his sightlines, blocking his view of pass catchers. That said, Brees has barely faced a pass rush this season and because of that he is having one of his most efficient seasons. Hit on big plays offensively: In their first two games, the Redskins were methodical in their approach — running over the Cardinals in the season opener and throwing under the Colts’ soft zone. Against Green Bay they were able to take some deeper shots both in deep passes to receivers Paul Richardson and Josh Doctson as well as long throws to tight ends Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis. The Saints will allow these long shots. Their top cornerback, Marshon Lattimore, has not been nearly as effective as last season and their defensive front has struggled at times.
The Redskins are more of a team that controls the ball and aren’t constructed to comeback quickly. Against New Orleans, however, they may be forced to hit on big plays just to keep up. Don’t get caught up in the Brees hype: The “Monday Night Football” telecast will be built around Brees, whois just 201yards from breaking the NFL’s all time passing record. The night is being billed as a celebration of his career (which it should be). Washington can’t be concerned about what is going on with Brees. If he breaks the record, the game might be stopped. They can’t be overwhelmed by the celebration.