BrunellMVP?
09-23-2009, 04:57 PM
Redskins-Lions: 10 observations
Insider
By Ken Moll, Scouts Inc.
Washington at Detroit
was When: 1:00 PM ET
Watch: FOX
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 3 det
Scouts Inc. Position Advantage
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach
After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Redskins-Lions matchup.
1. Washington needs to establish the run: The Lions have struggled to stop the run, yielding over 134 yards per contest on the ground. The Redskinswill pound the ball with Clinton Portis as well as utilizing power back Ladell Betts more often. Establishing an effective ground assault should set up the play-action passing attack nicely.
2. Expect the Redskins to take more shots downfield: Washington has only completed one pass over 30 yards and will design more plays to stretch the field against the Lions. Perimeter target Santana Moss and athletic tight end Chris Cooley are going to see more vertical patterns called.
3. Balance on offense: The Washington offense needs to mix in early down passes with a good dose of perimeter runs and power football between the tackles. Expanding the playbook for quarterback Jason Campbell will be important to keep the Lions defense off-balance.
4. Washington will pressure Matthew Stafford: The Redskins have only generated two sacks thus far and will likely dial up more pressure packages against Detroit's young quarterback. Stafford has been prone to mistakes early in the season and pressure could exploit his inexperience.
5. Matchup to watch: Lions OC Dominic Raiola vs. Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth. This will be a critical battle in the trenches that will have a huge impact on this game. Raiola is an athletic competitive lineman that plays with great technique but would appear to be overmatched in this battle. Haynesworth can control the middle of the line with great push against the pass and penetration that will disrupt the Lions ground attack. If Raiola can keep Haynesworth at bay the Detroit offense has a chance to move the ball on the Redskins defense, but this will surely be a tough task for the crafty nine-year veteran.
6. Detroit will need to get their ground attack going: The Lions showed signs of being a physical offense in last week's matchup with the Vikings, racking up 129 yards on the ground. Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan will pound the ball between the tackles with designed cutback plays for second-year back Kevin Smith.
7. Expect a more precise game plan: Stafford has made too many costly mistakes thus far and we are likely to see a more concise game plan with less reads and more short passes to get the ball out quickly. Look for more high percentage passes on short crossers and option patterns as well as an occasional deep toss to Calvin Johnson.
8. Detroit needs to make the Redskins one-dimensional on offense: Washington wants to be a physical offense in the trenches to set up their play-action, high-percentage passing game. Detroit defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham will utilize a mixture of eight-man fronts, interior stunts and zone run blitzes to force the Redskins to the air.
9. Look for a wrinkle on special teams: Field position will be a huge factor in this contest between two struggling football teams. The Lions have two very capable returners in Dennis Northcutt and Aaron Brown, which could change field position. Detroit may try something special like a fake punt or field goal to change the momentum in the game.
10. Matchup to watch: Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Redskins CB Carlos Rogers. Johnson is one of the best perimeter targets in the league and is clearly a mismatch for most defensive backs. He will be a tough assignment for fifth-year corner back Carlos Rogers. Look for Johnson to get lots of balls thrown his way especially in the red zone where he can use his size to out jump Rogers. Johnson will likely draw double coverage at times, but Carlos Rogers will be tested when out on an island in pure man coverage schemes.
Prediction
adv: det Washington 21
Detroit 23
Insider
By Ken Moll, Scouts Inc.
Washington at Detroit
was When: 1:00 PM ET
Watch: FOX
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 3 det
Scouts Inc. Position Advantage
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach
After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Redskins-Lions matchup.
1. Washington needs to establish the run: The Lions have struggled to stop the run, yielding over 134 yards per contest on the ground. The Redskinswill pound the ball with Clinton Portis as well as utilizing power back Ladell Betts more often. Establishing an effective ground assault should set up the play-action passing attack nicely.
2. Expect the Redskins to take more shots downfield: Washington has only completed one pass over 30 yards and will design more plays to stretch the field against the Lions. Perimeter target Santana Moss and athletic tight end Chris Cooley are going to see more vertical patterns called.
3. Balance on offense: The Washington offense needs to mix in early down passes with a good dose of perimeter runs and power football between the tackles. Expanding the playbook for quarterback Jason Campbell will be important to keep the Lions defense off-balance.
4. Washington will pressure Matthew Stafford: The Redskins have only generated two sacks thus far and will likely dial up more pressure packages against Detroit's young quarterback. Stafford has been prone to mistakes early in the season and pressure could exploit his inexperience.
5. Matchup to watch: Lions OC Dominic Raiola vs. Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth. This will be a critical battle in the trenches that will have a huge impact on this game. Raiola is an athletic competitive lineman that plays with great technique but would appear to be overmatched in this battle. Haynesworth can control the middle of the line with great push against the pass and penetration that will disrupt the Lions ground attack. If Raiola can keep Haynesworth at bay the Detroit offense has a chance to move the ball on the Redskins defense, but this will surely be a tough task for the crafty nine-year veteran.
6. Detroit will need to get their ground attack going: The Lions showed signs of being a physical offense in last week's matchup with the Vikings, racking up 129 yards on the ground. Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan will pound the ball between the tackles with designed cutback plays for second-year back Kevin Smith.
7. Expect a more precise game plan: Stafford has made too many costly mistakes thus far and we are likely to see a more concise game plan with less reads and more short passes to get the ball out quickly. Look for more high percentage passes on short crossers and option patterns as well as an occasional deep toss to Calvin Johnson.
8. Detroit needs to make the Redskins one-dimensional on offense: Washington wants to be a physical offense in the trenches to set up their play-action, high-percentage passing game. Detroit defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham will utilize a mixture of eight-man fronts, interior stunts and zone run blitzes to force the Redskins to the air.
9. Look for a wrinkle on special teams: Field position will be a huge factor in this contest between two struggling football teams. The Lions have two very capable returners in Dennis Northcutt and Aaron Brown, which could change field position. Detroit may try something special like a fake punt or field goal to change the momentum in the game.
10. Matchup to watch: Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Redskins CB Carlos Rogers. Johnson is one of the best perimeter targets in the league and is clearly a mismatch for most defensive backs. He will be a tough assignment for fifth-year corner back Carlos Rogers. Look for Johnson to get lots of balls thrown his way especially in the red zone where he can use his size to out jump Rogers. Johnson will likely draw double coverage at times, but Carlos Rogers will be tested when out on an island in pure man coverage schemes.
Prediction
adv: det Washington 21
Detroit 23