12th's 5 Key Match Ups: Skins vs. Dolphins

[12thMan]

The Redskins undoubtedly have a solid game plan in place for the upcoming season opener, but these are just a few of the critical match ups that I could identify that could make or break the game for the Redskins.

I purposely excluded Jason Campbell because there's no question he needs to have a good game. But as far as "match ups" go, these will be fun to watch!


Chris Samuels vs. Jason Taylor: Hopefully there will be only one Jason in the Skins backfield this Sunday, and his last name had better be Campbell. If Jason Taylor can reak havoc Sunday, this game could be a lot closer than many Skins fans expect and could very well swing in the Dolphins favor. With OT Chris Samuels coming off a pre-season knee injury, the Dolphins will test that side of the offensive line early and often. This should be a great match-up between two Pro Bowlers.


Clinton Portis vs. Joey Porter: All eyes will be on #26 Sunday as Clinton Portis sets out to quiet the naysayers about his durability and his stature as an elite back in the league. On the other side of the ball, Joey Porter has a similiar chip on his shoulder. The former Steeler linebacker who also missed pre-season due to a knee injury, is eager to get back to his old form. But more than Portis' ability to juke and dodge Dolphin defenders, it's his bone crunching pass protection that could very well serve the Redskins best. Expect Mr. Portis and Mr. Porter to meet a few times this Sunday...with or without the ball!


Al Saunders vs. Trent Green: Let's face it, Al Saunders, who once coached Trent Green in Kansas City, probably helped the already savvy Gregg Williams uncover a few more deficiencies in Trent Green's game. It's also worth noting that Dolphin fans haven't exactly warmed up to Green as he was met with boos during the pre-season opener. Hopefully, Green is still trying to find the keys to the car.

Head coach Cam Cameron, defending Green's struggles, said that only 40% of offense had been installed so far. Hmmm...sound familiar?


Santana Moss vs. Will Allen: The Dolphins will be without one starting corner due to injury, Andre Goodman,and the other starter is Will Allen. As many of you remember, Moss has a history with Will Allen. In 2005, while Allen played for the Giants, Moss caught five passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns.

Here's what Goodman's replacement is saying about Sunday's match up: "We're not going to chase anybody. "Whatever side (Moss) goes to, that's who's going to cover him," said Daniels, who was in and out of last year's lineup with an ankle injury. When asked if the Dolphins would play deep and let Washington have the short routes, Allen scoffed."It doesn't work like that," he said. "That's like Madden football."

If Moss get's off to a good start, it will be a long day for the Phins!


Skins special teams vs. Ted Ginn Jr: I haven't heard much about Ginn this preseason, but this could be a match-up worth keeping an eye on. The Dolphins may look to take advantage of Ginn's game breaking ability against the Redskins special teams unit. The Skins have been solid on teams on this year, and with the additions of Laron Landry and H.B. Blades, the unit is faster and harder hitting.

Either way, I would expect to see Ginn's number called on a few trick plays as the Dolphins want to get their money's worth from their number one pick.

[mlmpetert]

I heard last night that Joey Porter still isnt 100%. He's nearly there but might have some lingering affects of the injury

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

Will Allen got torched in 2005 by Santana Moss in the game in FedEx and if they dont double him it will be the same situation this year.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Good matchups.

I would add the Skins Defensive Line vs. Ronnie Brown. Ronnie Brown hasn't lived up to the hype, and I hope this isn't a breakout game for him. Our DL has to stuff the run and force Trent Green to beat us in the air. If our DL is stout against the run, we will have a better opportunity to force turnovers and create a shorter field for our offense to get on track.

[backrow]

12th, and Chief X, you guys have hit some very good key match-ups, and have indeed trumped the networks, the tabloids, and the talking heads.

Now, to add the other key match-up: J. Campbell, and whether he has matured in his three years here, and nearly two years in the AS offense. We know he can throw the deep ball, thread a needle, and take off and run. We have to find out if he can manage that offensive huddle, manage the field, and take control of the D in front of him. Is his touch ok on the short stuff, and can he take a hit on that blind side? That is the critical question. Bigger question is whether he can do it for the next ten years?

[SmootSmack]

I don't know where this fits into in terms of match ups, but Shaun Shuisham is key for this game. Especially considering it should be a defensive battle

Imagine how different the season could have been last year if John Hall had made a couple of field goals in the opener against the Vikings

[70Chip]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I don't know where this fits into in terms of match ups, but Shaun Shuisham is key for this game. Especially considering it should be a defensive battle

Imagine how different the season could have been last year if John Hall had made a couple of field goals in the opener against the Vikings

Shuisham will be fine. He's in the zone. He can't miss. Positive vibes people. Positive vibes.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I don't know where this fits into in terms of match ups, but Shaun Shuisham is key for this game. Especially considering it should be a defensive battle

Imagine how different the season could have been last year if John Hall had made a couple of field goals in the opener against the Vikings

Suisham will be the key to the entire season. FG percentage is almost entirely random from year to year, so I'll be really happy if Suisham can find his way among the league's elite this season.

[Cowell]

I feel much more confident in Suisam then I have in any other kickers we have had. I think he will be solid.

[Warpath]

I'll add something to. Trent Green vs Redskins Defense. The D needs to get in and pressure Green to keep him uncomfortable in the pocket. If he gets time he will be able to dink and dunk up and down the field. I want to see different blitz packages, I want sacks, and I want turnovers. They don't have probowl WRs but given time any nfl starting QB can find an open guy. Go Skins.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I don't know where this fits into in terms of match ups, but Shaun Shuisham is key for this game. Especially considering it should be a defensive battle

Imagine how different the season could have been last year if John Hall had made a couple of field goals in the opener against the Vikings

I totally agree. Suisham was actually at the top of my list, I just couldn't think of anything clever

To your point about Hall last year, because didn't close a few close ones, I think the Redskins could have easily been 8-8 or 9-7 last season. That's why I don't think it's out of the question we can be 10-6 this year.

[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by Warpath

I'll add something to. Trent Green vs Redskins Defense. The D needs to get in and pressure Green to keep him uncomfortable in the pocket. If he gets time he will be able to dink and dunk up and down the field. I want to see different blitz packages, I want sacks, and I want turnovers. They don't have probowl WRs but given time any nfl starting QB can find an open guy. Go Skins.

Good point. I really think if Daniels or Carter (I guess anyone really) can get to Green early in the game with a decent shot. Nothing particularly highlight reel worthy but one that makes him a little uncomfortable enough to worry about getting a shot to the head it will have a devasting effect on his ability to sustain a drive. After that, 8 in the box all day versus Underpants R. Brown.

I hope I've conveyed that I'm not condoning a mailicious hit, just an unexpected one.