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Previewing the Redskins Week 11 matchup with the Saints

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 2: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a jump cut to try and avoid the tackle attempt of inside linebacker Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images )
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 2: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a jump cut to try and avoid the tackle attempt of inside linebacker Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images ) /

Redskins defense vs. Saints offense

The Saints offense is going to be a very tough unit for the Redskins to stop. Many might think that is because of Drew Brees. It partially is, but in reality, the running game is what really scares many.

This year, Sean Payton has shifted to employing a ground and pound offense. After jettisoning the unhappy Adrian Peterson, he fully handed the reigns to Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara. The results have been incredible.

Ingram looks like the Heisman trophy winner he was in college. His physical ability has helped to wear down opposing defenses, and he looks like a true red zone threat behind the Saints strong line. Meanwhile, Kamara looks like a Darren Sproles clone in the passing game, but he has significantly better ability between the tackles due to his strength. He is huge play maker and tackle breaker, and he fits perfectly as a complement to Ingram.

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The Redskins don’t have much to stop these guys. Zach Brown should be able to track them down most of the time, but he doesn’t have much help. With Will Compton out for the year, he will be working with another new partner in Martrell Spaight. Spaight has good instincts, but it remains to be seen what he will be able to do in a full time role. Elsewhere, the defensive line is still banged up, so the Skins shouldn’t expect a great deal of help from them. Especially after how good Latavius Murray looked against them last week.

In the passing game, the Redskins are going to have to deal with the venerable Brees in this one. Brees remains one of the most accurate passers in the game and with the improved running attack, he has become lethal off play action. His top receivers, Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn, could give the Redskins trouble. Josh Norman will try to lock down Thomas most of the time, but Ginn will be a tough matchup for the other Washington cornerbacks.

The Saints offense has the scoring potential to completely dominate the Redskins. Their personnel is that good. Unless Ryan Kerrigan can beat up on rookie right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, then the Redskins are likely to lose the defensive battle for a second straight week.

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