Bengals at Redskins -- Week 3
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Md. (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Redskins by 3.5
Records: Redskins (1-1; NFC East 0-0); Bengals (Overall 1-1; AFC North: 1-1)
Past results: Two most recent meetings – Dec. 14, 2008: Bengals 20, Redskins 13; Nov. 14, 2004: Bengals 17, Redskins 10. Series record: Tied 4-4.
What matters: The Redskins’ defense. St. Louis shredded the Redskins with quick passes and a big-play running game (thanks to bad angles and missed tackles).The Redskins lost one of their best players, OLB Brian Orakpo, and a solid DE, Adam Carriker, which makes their life much more difficult. The Redskins boasted often of their depth up front, but losing two key starters in the front seven -- their strength -- is difficult to overcome.
Who matters: QB Robert Griffin III now bears more of the burden as the Redskins might be unable to rely on a stout defense. If the Redskins want to make a playoff run, it’ll be on his back. Second-year DE Jarvis Jenkins matters, too. Carriker’s strength was occupying two blockers -- an absolute must for a 3-4 DE; that’s not what Jenkins does well yet. OLBs Rob Jackson and Chris Wilson must show they can do more than rush the passer. It’s a huge question mark.
Key matchups: CBs DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson have a tough matchup vs. explosive WR A.J. Green. In the past, the Redskins used Hall to cover elite players, but he now has slot duties. Hall against a quick slot guy such as Andrew Hawkins is not a good matchup. The Redskins’ interior will be challenged by gap-shooting DT Geno Atkins. He’s powerful and quick. Nothing disrupts a running game more than quick penetration. And one way to combat Griffin is to collapse the pocket – it’s when he struggles most.
Injuries of note: WR Pierre Garcon (foot) has been limited all week and he's listed as doubtful on the injury report. CB Wilson (concussion) is probable. SS Brandon Meriweather (knee) remains limited and is listed as questionable, although signs point to him sitting another week.
Inside stuff: Jenkins is still learning to play defensive end in a 3-4 after playing in a 4-3 in college. Although he’s talented, Jenkins missed all of his rookie season because of an ACL tear and therefore is more like a rookie. He plays too upright at times, partly because he’s chasing the ball rather than focusing on occupying blockers -- he was mostly playing nickel in the first two games. That doesn’t help the linebackers and bears watching. Another reserve DE, Kedric Golston, is better at this but durability concerns could limit him.
Connections: Redskins FS Madieu Williams played for Cincinnati from 2004-07 while WR Dezmon Briscoe was on the Bengals’ practice squad in 2010. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis served as Washington’s defensive coordinator in 2002. Bengals TE Richard Quinn was cut by the Redskins this summer.
Stat you should know: The Redskins have allowed nine pass plays of 20 yards or more, putting them on a pace for 72 such gains. That would have led the NFL a year ago. Only four teams allowed more pass plays of plus-20 last season. The Bengals like to throw downfield and the Redskins are hurting defensively.
Looking Ahead: The Redskins play their third road game of the season, as secondary coach Raheem Morris gets to face his former team, Tampa Bay. The Redskins then have home games against Atlanta and Minnesota. Sunday’s game is one they must win if they fancy themselves as a legitimate playoff contender.
Prediction: Redskins 24, Bengals 23
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter@CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.
