The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Why To Watch

San Diego, two games behind Denver, is fighting for an AFC wild-card spot while it hopes for the Broncos to falter down the stretch and steal the AFC West title. Meanwhile, the Redskins desperately are trying to stay out of the NFC East cellar.

The Redskins showed promise with a quick start to the season, but two consecutive losses leave them a middling 5-5. Big-play man Santana Moss, with injuries to fellow wide receivers David Patten and James Thrash, has been less and less effective in recent weeks and hasn't scored since Week 7. Quarterback Mark Brunell also has been increasingly ineffective, but running back Clinton Portis has picked up his production to compensate. The once-feared defense, however, has not been as dominant as it was early in the season.

The Chargers, who opened 0-2, have rallied and won three in a row to get back in the playoff hunt. The offense appears strong enough to carry this team to victory, regardless of the opponent. Quarterback Drew Brees must rely on his perimeter receivers, particularly Keenan McCardell, if tight end Antonio Gates is slowed by his ankle injury. Still, as always, the offense will run through All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who figures to be used a great deal as a receiver.

The Chargers, especially with rookie Shawne Merriman becoming a terror, now can generate a lot of pressure on quarterbacks. That just further complements their No. 1-ranked run defense.




Chargers Keys For Success

1. Establish the intermediate passing game. The Redskins use a 4-3 front, attacking the gaps and using their speedy linebackers to chase down the ball. Behind that attacking front seven, Washington mostly uses a cover-2 zone to prevent big gains. San Diego will counter by using Gates and Tomlinson on short and intermediate routes in the space vacated by the attacking linebackers and in front of the safeties in deep coverage. If Gates can't play, expect Tomlinson to see some safety attention. If Gates is able to draw safety attention, Tomlinson will abuse the linebackers in coverage.

2. Stuff runs to the strong side. Portis likes to attack the strong side of the field with off-tackle runs behind right tackle Jon Jansen. The Chargers' top-ranked run defense is led by inside linebacker Donnie Edwards, nose tackle Jamal Williams and end Luis Castillo. Williams and Castillo each occupy multiple blockers and allow Edwards and Merriman to scrape the line and run quickly to the point of attack. Merriman's and Edwards' presence also will minimize Brunell's rollouts.

3. Throw to Tomlinson. Washington has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in three weeks, and Tomlinson has one 100-yard day in the past month. Still, Tomlinson will get his usual 20 carries but also should be used as a receiver 5-10 times. With Redskins linebackers always attacking the line of scrimmage, look for Tomlinson to release out into the flat and force a linebacker to tackle him in the open field -- perhaps the greatest challenge in the NFL. If Washington deploys a safety to help cover Tomlinson, Brees should attack man-to-man matchups outside.




Redskins Keys For Success

1. Use Moss to stretch the field. San Diego's weakness is its secondary. Expect Washington to attack the deep perimeter with Moss, who has the speed and athletic ability to beat double-team coverage from cornerback Quentin Jammer and a safety. Injuries to Patten and Thrash will allow San Diego to cover Taylor Jacobs man-to-man and roll coverage toward Moss, but his quickness off the line will allow him to beat Jammer's press and allow Brunell to throw underneath to Moss and let the receiver make plays in the open field. When the safeties bite, Moss will release on deep routes.

2. Challenge the Chargers' pass protection. Brees is among the league's top-10 passers and has receivers such as Keenan McCardell, Eric Parker, Reche Caldwell, Lorenzo Neal, Tomlinson and Gates to take on one of the NFL's top pass defenses. Washington will try to generate pressure with defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin and the front four and blitz linebacker LaVar Arrington from various spots. If Griffin can collapse the pocket from the inside, Brees will be unable to step into his throws, and he lacks the agility to avoid sacks. If Arrington can flush him out of the pocket, Brees will be forced to make plays on the run, which is not one of his strengths.

3. Avoid turnovers. Once again last week, the Redskins turned the ball over three times against Oakland and thus lost 16-13. Portis and Brunell must secure the ball on contact because the Chargers' defense has the speed to turn fumbles and interceptions into touchdowns in a blink.




Injuries at a glance

Chargers injuries
Updated Player
Pos. Injury
Status
11/23/05 Ryan Krause TE Foot Done for the season
11/22/05 Antonio Gates TE Foot Likely to play Week 12

Redskins injuries
Updated Player
Pos. Injury
Status
11/22/05 Cornelius Griffin DT Hip Likely to miss Week 8
11/22/05 Ladell Betts RB Knee Doubtful for Week 12
11/22/05 James Thrash WR Hamstring Out for Week 12
11/21/05 Mike Sellers RB Rib fracture/kidney Likely to miss Week 12


The Bottom Line

Defensively, the Chargers have the edge and will generate enough pressure to keep Brunell off-balance. San Diego also has the front seven to slow down Portis.

On the flip side, the Chargers have Tomlinson -- the best back in NFL -- on their side. Gates is feeling better and should be able to share the burden with Tomlinson. Still, it'll be Tomlinson's versatility that creates opportunities for others and allow the Chargers to win a close one.

Pick: Chargers 31, Redskins 24