- The Washington Times - Thursday, September 13, 2012

1. How will St. Louis defend the Redskins’ new zone read run scheme? The Redskins unleashed Robert Griffin III against the Saints last Sunday, and the threat of him running helped keep the linebackers off balance and open up passing lanes. The Rams have film to study and a week to prepare their linebackers and safeties.

2. What variations of the zone read will the Redskins unveil? There are option concepts Washington did not show against New Orleans. Mike Shanahan on Thursday said the zone read could involve a fullback or a pitch man. Redskins coaches are teeming with ideas, Griffin said this week.

3. Can the defensive front seven repeat last year’s success against St. Louis? Washington had seven sacks in a 17-10 victory last October. Stunts were effective in the second half, as the Redskins took advantage of how wide the Rams’ tackles played. St. Louis’ offensive line is banged up this week.

4. Will running back Alfred Morris improve on his subtle deficiencies this week? He had 96 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries in his NFL debut last week, but Morris believes he missed a lot of yards. His track on stretch plays often was not wide enough. It also resulted in collisions with Griffin and a fumble.

5. With there be any hangover from the big Week 1 win over New Orleans? The Edward Jones Dome was as quiet as a library when these teams met last season. The energy will be nothing like it was in the Superdome last week, but Mike Shanahan has emphasized the need for sharpness after the Rams nearly upset Detroit in Week 1.

• Rich Campbell can be reached at rcampbell@washingtontimes.com.

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