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New Rams head coach Jim Haslett has a daunting first matchup after replacing Scott Linehan: the surging Redskins, who have won four straight and stand as one of the more intriguing contenders. They have rallied after an opening-week loss to the Giants by running a highly efficient West Coast offense that balances power, finesse and ball control to be a consistent chain mover. The Rams have struggled with teams like this, losing big at home to the Giants and Bills and to the Eagles on the road.
Rams offense vs. Redskins defense: Haslett’s first move upon becoming head coach was reinstalling Marc Bulger as his quarterback for the season, barring injury. The Redskins’ pass-defense stats have been misleading; they have allowed some yards, but in general, they have done an excellent job of containing some of the best passing units in the league, including those of the Saints, Cardinals, Cowboys and Eagles. They play press-man coverage outside when they can and rarely double-team receivers. They won’t here, either. With TE Randy McMichael out for the season and no one stepping up opposite WR Torry Holt, the Redskins can take chances defensively and key in on stopping RB Steven Jackson. DE Jason Taylor could be back for this game.
Redskins offense vs. Rams defense: Observers say that RB Clinton Portis is as much a reason the Redskins have been so successful offensively as QB Jason Campbell or head coach Jim Zorn’s system has. Portis runs with abandon and can blow through tackles, so the Rams’ front seven has to be far more disciplined and gang-tackle him in the hole. Campbell has a prime weapon in WR Santana Moss, though the Eagles took him away Sunday. Other options of note include WR Antwaan Randle El, who has been more consistent than he ever has in Washington, and TE Chris Cooley, who scored his first touchdown Sunday and could be ready to break out. The Rams are neither a big-play defense nor a very physical one; they rely too much on sacking the quarterback and could be in trouble against this road-grading offensive line.
Special teams: Redskins special-teams coach Danny Smith typically has standout units across the board, but the punting game has been shaky on both sides. The Rams lead the league in gross punting average and have a standout kicker in PK Josh Brown but seldom get to use him (5-of-6 FG attempts).
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