1. Can the Redskins continue to run the ball effectively? It’s no coincidence the Redskins have won all three of the games in which they ran for more than 100 yards. The offensive line blocked much better last week against Seattle, which entered the game ranked third in the NFL in yards allowed per carry. The Jets rank eighth (3.9 ypc).
2. Will Washington’s play-action work as well as last Sunday? Seattle’s linebackers and safeties looked lost against the Redskins’ play-action and misdirection early last Sunday, and that, in turn, kept them from selling out against the run. Rex Grossman completed 14 of 17 play-action passes, including one touchdown and two interceptions.
3. How will Washington’s defensive front hold up? Defensive end Stephen Bowen (torn PCL, left knee) missed the first two practices of the week. Losing him would hurt against a Jets rushing attack led by Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson. Reserve Kedric Golston already is out for the year, so suddenly Washington’s depth will be tested.
4. Can the Redskins’ corners hang with New York’s receivers? Plaxico Burress was released from prison less than two months before training camps began. Now he has seven touchdowns; the entire Redskins receiving corps has eight. “We don’t have anybody that can match up to him,” defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said.
5. Do the Redskins have their field goal-protection problems fixed? There have been 23 field goal or extra-point attempts blocked in the NFL. The Redskins account for five. Erik Cook, one of two right guards who broke down on the Redskins’ protection unit last week, insists they have corrected the technique problems.
• Rich Campbell can be reached at rcampbell@washingtontimes.com.
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