| Quarterback Robert Griffin III has a tough test in his first start: Drew Brees and the Saints. (AP Images) |
Redskins vs. Saints -- Week 1
Where: Mercedes Benz Superdome, New Orleans, La. (turf, indoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: Saints by 7
2011 records: Redskins (5-11); Saints (13-3)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 6, 2009: Saints 33, Redskins 30 (OT); Sept. 14, 2008: Redskins 29, Saints 24 Series record: Redskins lead 15-8.
What matters: The Washington Redskins overhauled their passing attack, and we’re not just talking about rookie QB Robert Griffin III. Yes, he matters, but they’ve also added receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, hoping for more yards after the catch. Defensively, the Redskins were stingy in the red zone last season, and that must continue Sunday; their front seven has to carry the day.
Who matters: RG3 makes his NFL debut after a much-hyped offseason. He was OK in three preseason games, showing flashes of his talent: poised in the pocket when in rhythm but more skittish under duress. The Redskins haven’t unveiled the running part of his game yet. Look for that Sunday.
Key matchups: The linebackers must prove they can cover, something they struggled to do in 2011. The New Orleans Saints will test them with tight end Jimmy Graham and running back Darren Sproles. Drew Brees is adept at picking out mismatches and exploiting them; tackling in space will be crucial.
Injuries of note: Nothing major. Left guard Kory Lichtensteiger, who missed the preseason after arthroscopic knee surgery, is expected to play. He tore two ligaments in his knee last October. His replacement, Maurice Hurt, has improved but Lichtensteiger is a good run blocker in the stretch zone scheme. Linebacker Brian Orakpo (pectoral), who missed the final two preseason games, will play.
Inside stuff: Who the Redskins start at running back will dictate their running strategy for the day. Evan Royster and Alfred Morris are better running the inside zone, and Roy Helu is more adept with the outside stretch zone. Helu, though, is best in the screen game and could exploit the Saints’ linebackers.
Connections: Redskins kicker Billy Cundiff spent five games with New Orleans in 2006 as a kickoff specialist. Saints guard Eric Olsen was on the Redskins’ practice squad last season. Redskins tight end Fred Davis and Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis played together at USC. Redskins linebacker London Fletcher and Saints cornerback Jabari Greer played together in Buffalo.
Stat you should know: The Redskins are the only team to rank in the top five the past two seasons for plays allowed of 20 yards or more. New Orleans’ offense was tied for third in this area, with 69.
Record watch: Fletcher will move into second place for most consecutive games played in NFL history with 225.
Looking ahead: The Redskins have a favorable schedule in September, with a road game at St. Louis next week followed by the home opener against Cincinnati in Week 3 and a trip to Tampa Bay in Week 4. A loss to the Saints doesn’t cripple them.
Prediction: Saints 31, Redskins 21
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or @John_Keim.