Redskins vs. Saints preview

Very excited to see the RG3 era begin and the first regular season game.  It's a tough matchup going against a perennial power in the Saints particularly in New Orleans.  Drew Brees is one of the best to play the position.  However, the Saints will be without Sean Payton (serving his suspension) and I believe the Skins are underrated and looking to make a point. 

Here are my keys to the game:

1. First and foremost is stopping the Saints passing attack.  Our secondary is mediocre at best particularly at safety where Meriweather will be out for another 2-4 weeks and idiot Tanard Jackson has basically ruined his career by not being able to stay off the drugs.  Second year man, Dejean Gomes, will get the nod.  He was okay in limited time last year but he will have to step up big time on Sunday.  Wilson and Hall are okay but I'm not thrilled with Cedric Griffin so it will be a tall order for the secondary to stop the many weapons the Saints have.  Our best hope is for our front seven (the strength of our defense) to get pressure on Brees and force errant throws.  If Brees has time, he will pick us apart.

2. RG3.  It's his first NFL regular season game.  It's away.  It's against a strong team.  It's being played in his parent's home town.  There will definitely be nerves so it will be tantamount for him to settle down quickly and not get overly excited and play beyond himself.  The O line will need to give him protection and the WRs will need to get open.  He will need as much help as possible to get comfortable. 

3. Get running game going.  Towards the latter part of last season and in the preseason, Shanny's zone blocking run game started taking shape.  That needs to continue on Sunday.  Royster apparently is slotted as the starter on the depth chart but I expect to see a healthy dose of all the backs (Royster, Morris, and Helu).  Who ever is back there needs to get it done.  We need to establish that run game.

4. Be aggressive.  I firmly expect to see some deep throws.  I wouldn't be surprised one bit if RG3 takes a shot deep on the first play or on the first drive.  I just want to see him throw it deep a few times as we have the ability to do that now with his arm and speed at WRs.

5. Turnovers. Going back to defense, it will be critical for this team to create turnovers.  If we can win that battle, we may have a chance to steal a victory. On the flip side, we have to be very careful not to give the ball away.  RG3 will need to be careful in what he does and I will be particularly upset if a back/WR fumbles the ball away.

In the end, I think we will be competitive.  I think we will see a number of positives but I believe the Saints are too much of a talented, veteran bunch to lose at home.  Skins will fall 27-16.

HTTR!!!