This week, after an embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills, 23-0, the Redskins face yet another well-conditioned, quality team: San Francisco 49ers.
For the next few minutes, I will explain how the Redskins can win against the 49ers, but in all likelihood, will in fact lose.
- Force Alex Smith to beat you: Alex Smith is have an uncharacteristically good season so far, only throwing two interceptions. Prior to this season, he threw 53 picks in 54 games; statistics would say he's due for at least two against the Redskins.
The Redskins' secondary has been their Achilles' heal thus far this season, allowing big play after big play. They need to buckle down and cover their assignments, while providing run support when necessary.
If the Redskins can pressure Smith and force him into tough throws, he will present them with an opportunity to sway the turnover differential in the Redskins' favor.
- Slow down the run: The main reason Alex Smith is having such a good season thus far is due mainly in part to the running efforts of Frank Gore: averaging 96.4 yards per game and four straight 100+ yard performances.
Fortunately, but don't think it impossible, Gore isn't catching the ball out of the backfield that often this year. Gore has averaged 27.5 yards per game receiving over his career, but only 10 yards/game this season.
If the Redskins can force short yardage gains while limiting Gore's big play ability, they will force Smith to throw the ball. Forcing passing plays will give the Redskins a chance at controlling the clock (and the game).
- Be careful with Carlos Rogers: The former Redskins first round pick finally cut ties with his original team, and went West.
Heckled for having some of the worst hands for a cornerback in the league, Rogers currently has three interceptions with the 49ers, including one taken back for a touchdown.
In perspective: the Redskins secondary as a whole only has three picks.
With our receiving core banged up, including number one receiver Santana Moss out for an extended period of time, we simply do not have a go-to wide receiver.
Rogers will undoubtedly be pumped up to return to DC, and just imagine if he gets an interception early.
The Redskins need to exploit the underneath routes, taking chances downfield once or twice each half.
- Run the ball on offense: Okay, I'm even annoying myself now as this is probably the third post in a row I've stressed the importance of running the ball. This will be the last time I mention it, as it is clear now that the Redskins playcaller simply isn't reading my blog.
I find the Tashard Choice signing peculiar, simply because Kyle Shanahan doesn't run the ball. Ryan Torain will get the start this week, with Roy Helu probably coming in on third downs.
If the Redskins can commit to the run, rushing the ball at least 25 times, this will slow the game down. This will provide protection for John Beck as well as force the defense to remain honest, opening up the passing game.
- Gameplan: If the Redskins keep these goals in mind, they will have an opportunity to win this matchup.
However, if the past month is any example, the Redskins will not run the ball. Instead, they will force John Beck to complete 3rd and long plays, while not protecting him well enough to execute.
In his desperation, Beck will force throws into tight coverage, one of which will land in the hands of Carlos Rogers, igniting his motives for leaving and silencing any Redskins doubters.
The Redskins defense has the ability to stop the run as well as put pressure on the quarterback. Unfortunately, the secondary of the Redskins will let their defensive teammates down, allowing Alex Smith to occasionally escape pressure and complete passes to mind-bogglingly open receivers.
The Redskins' defense is strong, but simply cannot keep the opposing team from scoring (no team in the NFL can). This would not be a problem if the offense scored with any regularity, but instead, the 16.6 points/game scored by the offense is the reason why we are 3-4.
Hang in there Redskins fans, this game Sunday has the potential to be even worse than the Buffalo Bills game.
(Photo-Courtesy of Getty Images and the Associated Press)
(Jonathan Wigginton is the Chat Sports Senior Writer for the Washington Redskins)
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