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Redskins Reality Check: Realistic predictions for the team in Week 5 vs. Saints

By Tim Payne

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins is blocked by offensive tackle Jared Veldheer #66 of the Denver Broncos in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan #91 of the Washington Redskins is blocked by offensive tackle Jared Veldheer #66 of the Denver Broncos in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

3. Reality is, the Redskins’ pass-rush against the Saints’ pass protection is a bad matchup for Washington.

The Saints have given up the fourth-fewest sacks per game this season, while the Redskins have only produced seven sacks all year. With Drew Brees’ quick release, the Redskins will have a tough time breaking out of their sack slump in this game.

The only mitigating factor I see is that Brees does tend to drop deeper than most because of his height. If Kerrigan and Smith can set the edge and the interior linemen (Allen, Payne, and Ioannidis) can continue to push the pocket as they have all year, the Redskins might have a recipe for a bit more success than we expect.

However, I don’t anticipate the Redskins being very aggressive in pass rush because of the danger of Kamara out of the backfield. I expect a defensive gameplan more similar to what they did in Arizona.

Must Read. Uncoiling the layers of the Josh Doctson dilemma. light

Ultimately, we should expect Brees to largely avoid much danger or pressure via quick passing and the screen game. We should really only be disappointed if the Redskins manage to give Brees enough time to take lots of downfield shots, as expecting quick and productive pass-rush out of this unit against Brees and his O-line is probably not realistic.

Prediction: The Redskins get 1-2 hustle/coverage sacks, and apply steady pressure all game, but don’t have a significantly impactful 4-man rush. However, I do expect a few gambles from defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, bringing a safety or linebacker on a blitz.

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