October 7, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley (56) celebrates with Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) after recovering a fumble against the Atlanta Falcons at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Take Advantage of Being Home: There is no reason to have played so poorly at home, especially at FedEx field.  Yes, it is not known as a tough place to play and it’s not as loud as Baltimore, Seattle or Kansas City, but this is one of the largest stadiums in the league.  With that many fans in the house, it is important for the defense to make some key and big plays early.  The offense needs to up points on the board and get an early lead.  Together, this will make sure the fans are into the game, and it will up to the fans to make it loud and uncomfortable for a young Christian Ponder.

Key On Percy Harvin: This is their home run hitter.  If the Redskins have a hope to win this game, the Redskins must keep Percy from too many big plays.  Also, second year Christian Ponder relies a lot on Percy Harvin, and limiting the wideout’s production will decrease how effective Minnesota’s quarterback will be.  But don’t forget, Harvin has been a menace in the kicking game (just ask the Lions). Percy Harvin is really good for a reason, so he will get his big plays, but if the Redskins can limit this to two plays over 20 yards, including on special teams, it will increase the chances of a Washington win.

Win Morris vs. Peterson: The ground game is where this game will be won today.  Morris will have to have one of his best games of his young career.  Not only will this limit the amount of carries Adrian Peterson will have, but it will limit the amount of exposure that Robert Griffin III will have to a front four lead by Jared Allen.  On the other side, if the Redskins lock down Adrian Peterson, Christian Ponder will have to make more plays with his arm, and I like the chances of that a whole lot better leading to a Redskins victory.  Ponder manages a game well, but he isn’t ready to lead a team to a victory with his arm.  If we look at the stats at the end of the game and Redskins rushed for more yards, it should be a close win for the home team.

If the Redskins can get an early lead, keep Percy Harvin to only two plays over 20 yards, and win the rushing game battle, the Redskins will be 3-3 before they head off to New York to face the Giants.

What do you think?  Did I miss a more important key to victory?  Let us know what you think.

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September 30, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) reacts after he intercepted the ball during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Shut Down Either White or Jones: Everyone knows that our secondary has been pretty beaten up thus far this season.  The Falcons come in with a trio of weapons through the air in the form of Tony Gonzalez, Julio Jones and Roddy White.  Gonzo is a pros pro, knows how to use his body, and will get his touches and make first downs.  He’s just that good.  But he won’t kill you.  The guys on the outside will.  The secondary has been inconsistent  but Josh Wilson and/or DeAngelo hall will have to have one of their best games to limit Matt Ryan’s options to only one of his lethal weapons.

Control the Clock: Robert Griffin III has been excellent in managing the air attack, but it will be up to Alfred Morris along with RG3 to control the clock on the ground.  I absolutely have no idea why pundits say you have to control the ball in order to limit the time the other side has the ball.  Really?  These guys get paid how much to tell you that?  What I do believe in, is that upsets are usually won by shortening the game and adding a little bit of chance to the mix. (This is why MLB wild card teams are complaining they are in a one game playoff this year. )  The Redskins boast the league’s second best rushing game and should be able to do just that.

Robert Griffin III Takes a Page from Matty Ice: If the Redskins are to pull off this upset, this game will not be a blowout which means RG3 will have to duplicate last week’s performance and composure late in the game.  We have seen him do this against the Rams too.  Once is luck, twice is coincidence, three’s a trend.  The Redskins’ quarterback can show he really does have ice running through his veins tomorrow, and prove he needs to be taken very seriously.  He will do just that if he can pull out a last second win for the second week in a row, or make key plays that seal the game late in the 4th quarter.  They aren’t playing the Buccaneers this week, so he won’t have to worry about the kneel down.

So if the Redskins can shut down one of Matt Ryan’s top 3 weapons, control the clock and have the ball for 35 minutes, and RG3 comes up big in the clutch again this week, I don’t see why the Redskins won’t host Minnesota next week with a winning record.

What do you think?  Did I miss a more important key to victory?  Let us know what you think.

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