MNF Preview

It’s perhaps the Redskins biggest game of the season, a game that we can prove we belong at the top and a game that would give us huge momentum going into the bye, should we win.

The Steelers have shown that they can beat anyone, anywhere yet they are 0-2 against the NFC east. They are coming off a tough loss against the NY Giants in which they saw their back up place snapper blow the game for them. They have a physical, aggressive defense that is tops in the league at stopping the run. Their linebacking core might be the best in the league. Harrison, Foote, Farrior, and Woodley have a combined 150 tackles and 19 sacks. Compare that to the Redskins who have 10 sacks total on defense and you can see why they are so impressive. The Steelers offense isn’t as impressive as they have shown periods of ineptitude and their weak offensive line has already cost them games. Mewelde Moore has fit in nicely in the absence of Willie Parker, he has given the Steelers the balance they must have in order to be successful. Parker is set to return Monday night as he practiced successfully on Saturday, the Steelers will most likely work him back in with Moore to let him get back into game speed. Santonio Holmes is also set to return from a suspension that cost him 1 game. He gives the Steelers another down the field option alongside Nate Washington. The Steelers will have a chip on their shoulder after the loss to the Giants, they will be angry and pumped up for this game. If the Skins take them lightly it could be a long night.

The Redskins are coming off a win at Detroit, where surprisingly the Lions played a tough game. The Skins rested a bunch of defensive starters in hopes to get them back for this game. Most of them will be back however the Skins are still dealing with injuries to key players. Santana Moss is listed as questionable and is a game time decision. This is certainly a huge concern as Moss has shown he can do many things for us. His playmaking ability and his speed have caused major headaches for opposing defenses. Moss also showed off his versatility last week as he returned a punt for an 80 yard touchdown. Should Moss not play rookie Devin Thomas will need to step up in a major way. Thomas hasn’t done much for the offense yet, but it is only a matter of time until he breaks out. Regardless of who would take Moss’s place, we will still be in trouble as we would most likely put the game in Clinton Portis‘ shoulders. Usually that’s a good gameplan but the problem is the Steelers run defense is so stout. Portis has shown that he can run through any defense. Flashback to when the Eagles were #1 in run defense. Portis sliced them up for 145 yards and a touchdown. This will be another test for the Oline and Portis and if Moss doesn’t play the Steelers will most likely stack the box. Chris Samuels, our rock on the Oline is also listed as questionable, but should be able to play come Monday night. Our defense has been playing superb, we have shown that our secondary can shut down any big time receiver and our run defense is ranked 5th in the NFL giving up just 82.8 YPG. The key for the defense will be getting pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. Sacks have been almost nonexistent this year as we have accumulated just 10 sacks thus far. This is typical for a Greg Blache defense as we rely more on down the field coverage and containment. Regardless the defensive line needs to take advantage of a weak Steelers Oline and we must pick up sacks for us to have a chance. Overall I see another close game Skins fans and it could come down to Sean Suisham’s foot, can we trust him?

Current Spread

Washington -2.5

Expected Game Time Weather

55*F Light Wind

Gametime

8:30PM ESPN