The Redskins are in dire need of a strong outing from quarterback Mark Brunell (912 passing yards, 5 TD, 3 INT), who has yet to remind the D.C. faithful of Sonny Jurgensen. Brunell completed 8 of 22 passes for 95 yards in a Week 6 victory over the Bears. Laveranues Coles (31 receptions on the year) led the team with four catches for 52 yards in that game, and No. 2 wideout Rod Gardner (2 receptions, 20 yards), caught his team-leading third touchdown pass. Brunell has been sacked just 10 times this year, but has faced constant pressure. Washington ranks 28th in NFL passing offense (161.5 yards per game).
A Green Bay secondary that has taken some heat this year could go into this week starting a pair of rookies - Ahmad Carroll (17 tackles) and Joey Thomas (5 tackles) - at cornerback, as well as a backup in Bhawoh Jue (16 tackles) at free safety. Knee injuries to cornerback Al Harris and safety Darren Sharper have them both listed as questionable for the Washington game. The dinged up unit will look to improve on last week's effort, when they allowed Dallas quarterback Vinny Testaverde to pass for 308 yards. Looking to take some pressure off the secondary will be a pass rush that has just 10 sacks on the year, including a combined three from starting ends Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and Aaron Kampman. Green Bay ranks 19th in NFL passing defense (222.6 yards per game).
Washington is hoping for a repeat performance from running back Clinton Portis, who rushed 36 times for a season-high 171 yards in the Week 6 win over Chicago. Portis (593 yards, 2 TD) has picked up the pace since a slow start, but is still averaging just 3.9 yards per rush. Backup Ladell Betts (17 carries, 63 yards on the year), who had six rushes for 30 yards against the Bears, has not fared much better than Portis.
A beleaguered Packers run defense may have turned the corner in last week's win against Dallas, as the team held the Cowboys to just 66 ground yards. The presence last week of 340-pound nose tackle Grady Jackson (3 tackles), who had been out with injury since Week 1, was seen a significant factor in that turnaround. Jackson and Cletidus Hunt (10 tackles on the year) are crucial to Green Bay's success in the trenches, as undersized linebackers Nick Barnett (58 tackles) and Na'il Diggs (47 tackles) are less adept at fighting off offensive linemen. The Packers rank 21st in NFL rushing defense (121.1 yards per game) coming into this week.
I agree Brunell should be able to have a breakout game.If he and the passing offense can get going maybe hell gain some more momentum and confidence. And hopefully turn this thing in the right direction. Come on Brunell the time is now do it do it do it. I have been a Ramsey supporter but maybe ill give Brunell some support for once well see how this game goes.
i don't really think GB turned the corner last week on their rush defense...
they played the cowboys (who have no running game) and the cowboys were way behind in that game... leading to a change in strategy (passing to catch up)
If we watch the film of the Tenn game... we should be able to shred this defense on the ground....
big day for portis....
See right now I'm on lettuce... Pretty soon I'll be on fries... After that.. The grill... And after that... Comes Assistant. Manager.... and That's When the Big Bucks roll in!
Justice Hog wrote:Brunell is incapable of having a breakout game. His arm is took weak and his accuracy is suspect. He's not the guy, folks.
He may have a somewhat better game than we're used to seeing...but this guy will never....and I mean never....pass for 300+ yards.
true i'm really worried about this game !!!! hope my gut feelings are wrong ....but my gut is saying that our "D" won't hold up and this is the game we get blow out,someone tell me i'm wrong please ....
Justice Hog wrote:Brunell is incapable of having a breakout game. His arm is took weak and his accuracy is suspect. He's not the guy, folks.
He may have a somewhat better game than we're used to seeing...but this guy will never....and I mean never....pass for 300+ yards.
true i'm really worried about this game !!!! hope my gut feelings are wrong ....but my gut is saying that our "D" won't hold up and this is the game we get blow out,someone tell me i'm wrong please ....
OK
you are wrong....
IF we don't win we wont get blown out for the following reasons.
1. The D has had a extra week to get ready for this game.
2. The players we were hoping would come be back, aren't so there will be no major changes to the Defense that we have been fielding for the last month. Which means no new adjustments
3. The lost of Taylor WON"T be a issuse .... GW has always said if you make the roster you are a starter.
4. The Pack's O isn't all that it's crack up to be Ahman Green is playing hurt and doesn't know if his fumblitist has returned or not.
5. Brett has a injured hand - then again he always has a injured something.
6. There O-line is hurting which should mean Brett will be hurting even more.
Hope this eases some of your worries we'll be a-ok .... on that side of the ball anyway
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When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on....
true 
