The Washington Redskins host the Indianapolis Colts in a primetime matchup of division leaders tonight at FedEx Field. The Redskins are coming off a comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers, while the Colts are coming off a home victory over the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. The Redskins are facing another top rated quarterback this week in Peyton Manning.
For the Redskins to have any chance of winning tonight, they will need to be consistent on offense. Quarterback Donovan McNabb needs to be more accurate on this pass attempts. I've seen him overthrow too many of his open targets. If McNabb corrects his accuary, then this offense can easily score a lot of points against a very weak Colts secondary. Also, the Redskins need to establish the ground attack, and the offensive line needs to perform better. The offensive line will not face a feared defense unlike last week's beating against the Packers, but the Colts defensive line is very solid led by Dwight Freeny and Robert Mathis. Tackles Trent Williams, and Jammal Brown, who were injured last week, should be ready to go tonight. Also, Ryan Torain needs to have a decent game on the ground in order for the Redskins to control the clock and keep Manning off the field.
Finally, the offense needs to score a touchdown FIRST in this game because the Colts are a hard team to come from behind. Once the Colts establish a early lead, they tend to control the clock, and the game essentially. Last week, the Colts opened the game with a 3-0 lead, and never trailed the entire game. They went on to defeat the Chiefs 19-9. The Colts had four field goals and a touchdown, and they still won by double digits. Therefore, it is extermely important for the Redskins to score as early as possible. I know that games aren't really decided in the 1st quarter, but they are playing against the Colts, and they rarely blow early leads against their opponents.
The defense has been playing very well this season, despite their only bad performance against Houston and St. Louis. The Redskins have held the Cowboys, Eagles, and Packers to under 20 points per game. They are ranked in the top-10 in fewest points allowed, even though the defense is ranked last statistically. However, the defense will have a tough challenge in containing Peyton Manning. Manning is one of the best quarterbacks to ever to play in the NFL. If he sees a flaw in coverage, or the defense isn't properly set, Manning will pick them apart and find a open target easily. Still, the Redskins will need to tackle better, do a solid job in pass coverage, and play physical for a full 60 minutes. If LaRon Landry has another superb performance, the Redskins may have a chance tonight.
Prediction: The major difference this week is the Colts. They rarely beat themselves, and Manning always find ways to win under any circumstance. The defense is their only weak spot because of their injuries in several key areas. Still, unless Manning throws for four interceptions, it is hard for me to pick against them. The Redskins are terrible in pass defense, and I think Manning will take advantage and have another huge performance tonight. However, a Redskins victory could put them in the driver seat as a early favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Colts: 21, Redskins: 16
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