SteelfordWexler
10-29-2008, 10:52 AM
The Redskins will be a very tough out this weekend. They are obviously playing well and have recorded some quality wins against Dallas and Philly on the road among others. Here are my keys to the game for the Steelers:
Defensively:
The conventional wisdom is that we must contain Portis, but after taking a deeper look at the numbers, Campbell is also key to this offense. Portis is having a fantastic year. He is averaging nearly 140 yds/game over the past 5 weeks and the Skins have won 4 of those games. He averages 122yds in wins, but he picked up and average of 107 in their losses. He must not take over the game - containing Portis is going to be a priority but it won't ensure victory.
Campbell has been playing lights out. I don't believe he is being carried by the running game. He is averaging 29 attempts and 219 yds/game - and no interceptions. It is unlikely that he will make many mistakes with the ball, and they protect him relatively well having given up 16 sacks in 8 games. If he is successful providing balance to their premier running game - they are very very good. In their two losses his comp % was 59% (pretty good) - in their 6 wins it was 67%(very good). Obviously, this game will be a tough test for our defense.
Stoping the run is priority one - but we need to do it without over commiting our LBs and secondary. We can't get beat on play action - or this will be a long day.
Creating pressure is always key to a Lebeau defense. We are usually stoudt against the run and protect against the big play, but give up short passes. This bit us Sunday as the Giants were able to move the ball with the pass into the red-zone on a consistent basis.
We will need to press the receivers and/or disguise our coverages so Campbell holds the ball an extra beat and give the rush a chance to rattle him. He can run, so discipline will be important when rushing. The RS receivers are quick and veteran - so press coverage is pretty high risk.
Offensive Keys:
The Redskins have been good against the run this year - allowing an average of 83 yds/game. In their two losses, they gave up 168 yds/game. Effectively running the ball - controlling the Time of Possession and keeping the defense rested will be a huge key to this game offensively. Being able to present a threat from the run is our goal. Even if we only get 3.5 per carry - this is important to keep their defense honest.
The pass defense is statistically the weakness of the Redskins. Their opponents have averaged nearly 6 yards per pass attempt and about 200 yds in the air a game. They have only registered 10 sacks all year and have 5 interceptions. Our effectiveness in the short -intermediate passing game will be another key. We will be forced to move the chains in the air - so they don't load up the box against the run.
Expect the Redskins to apply pressure the way the Giants and Eagles did. They will attempt to match up with their solid cornerbacks against our WRs and give Ben 3 or 4 seconds or less to get rid of the ball. Our best match ups will be with Heath Miller and Mewelde Moore against their linebackers in space. Recognition of the blitz and coordination of the hot reads with these receivers will be decisive from the offensive perspective for this game and likely the rest of them until we prove we can consistently beat this defensive approach.
It will take our best game to get this road win. It would be Tomlin's most impressive victory if they pull it off.
Defensively:
The conventional wisdom is that we must contain Portis, but after taking a deeper look at the numbers, Campbell is also key to this offense. Portis is having a fantastic year. He is averaging nearly 140 yds/game over the past 5 weeks and the Skins have won 4 of those games. He averages 122yds in wins, but he picked up and average of 107 in their losses. He must not take over the game - containing Portis is going to be a priority but it won't ensure victory.
Campbell has been playing lights out. I don't believe he is being carried by the running game. He is averaging 29 attempts and 219 yds/game - and no interceptions. It is unlikely that he will make many mistakes with the ball, and they protect him relatively well having given up 16 sacks in 8 games. If he is successful providing balance to their premier running game - they are very very good. In their two losses his comp % was 59% (pretty good) - in their 6 wins it was 67%(very good). Obviously, this game will be a tough test for our defense.
Stoping the run is priority one - but we need to do it without over commiting our LBs and secondary. We can't get beat on play action - or this will be a long day.
Creating pressure is always key to a Lebeau defense. We are usually stoudt against the run and protect against the big play, but give up short passes. This bit us Sunday as the Giants were able to move the ball with the pass into the red-zone on a consistent basis.
We will need to press the receivers and/or disguise our coverages so Campbell holds the ball an extra beat and give the rush a chance to rattle him. He can run, so discipline will be important when rushing. The RS receivers are quick and veteran - so press coverage is pretty high risk.
Offensive Keys:
The Redskins have been good against the run this year - allowing an average of 83 yds/game. In their two losses, they gave up 168 yds/game. Effectively running the ball - controlling the Time of Possession and keeping the defense rested will be a huge key to this game offensively. Being able to present a threat from the run is our goal. Even if we only get 3.5 per carry - this is important to keep their defense honest.
The pass defense is statistically the weakness of the Redskins. Their opponents have averaged nearly 6 yards per pass attempt and about 200 yds in the air a game. They have only registered 10 sacks all year and have 5 interceptions. Our effectiveness in the short -intermediate passing game will be another key. We will be forced to move the chains in the air - so they don't load up the box against the run.
Expect the Redskins to apply pressure the way the Giants and Eagles did. They will attempt to match up with their solid cornerbacks against our WRs and give Ben 3 or 4 seconds or less to get rid of the ball. Our best match ups will be with Heath Miller and Mewelde Moore against their linebackers in space. Recognition of the blitz and coordination of the hot reads with these receivers will be decisive from the offensive perspective for this game and likely the rest of them until we prove we can consistently beat this defensive approach.
It will take our best game to get this road win. It would be Tomlin's most impressive victory if they pull it off.