slobby P says bet the house: Archuleta and Carter will be Skins

[MTK]

Bet the mortgage that, by the end of the weekend, the Redskins will have added St. Louis strong safety Adam Archuleta (the relationship between agent Gary Wichard and personnel chief Vinny Cerrato won't hurt on this one) and San Francisco end Andre Carter to an already solid defense, one that statistically ranked No. 9 in the league in 2005.

Carter, who has started at end in the 4-3 and rush linebacker in a 3-4, will provide the Redskins the consistent upfield pass rusher they have been missing. Under brilliant coordinator Gregg Williams, one of the NFL's most creative defensive minds, Archuleta should dramatically upgrade his game. Archuleta is a liability when playing in space, but he could become a player in the mold of Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu, with a bit less speed. Archuleta can be explosive over a short area, although he doesn't have Polamalu's range, and Williams will conjure up ways to move him around close to the line of scrimmage.

The Redskins picked up one of their targeted players Saturday when they traded with the 49ers for receiver Brandon Lloyd. The Skins gave up their third-round pick this year and their fourth-round selection in 2007.