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5 bold predictions for Redskins vs. Saints in NFL Week 5

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins waits to be introduced before playing the New Orleans Saints at FedExField on November 15, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins waits to be introduced before playing the New Orleans Saints at FedExField on November 15, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins waits to be introduced before playing the New Orleans Saints at FedExField on November 15, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 15: Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins waits to be introduced before playing the New Orleans Saints at FedExField on November 15, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images) /

3. Redskins can’t notch any sacks against strong New Orleans front

So, this isn’t a positive prediction for the Redskins, but it’s definitely possible. The Saints have a very good offensive line and their quarterback releases the ball quickly. Does that sound familiar?

The answer to that question should be yes. Andrew Luck releases the ball similarly quickly to Brees, and the Colts offensive line was able to hold the Washington pass rush in check for most of the team’s Week 2 matchup.

That said, the scary part about that is the fact that the Saints line is even better. Through four games, Brees has only been sacked six times. Comparatively, the Colts offense — that limited the ‘Skins to just one sack — has allowed Luck to be sacked 10 times in five games. That could cause trouble for the pass rush.

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The Redskins may not entirely get shut out, but if the Saints get the run game going and are able to create opportunities off play action, it’s going to be very difficult for Washington to gets sacks and pressure the Saints in general. The more balanced a team is, the more difficult it is to sell out and try to go after the passer. That could end up limiting the effectiveness of the defense as a result.

Perhaps the ‘Skins will prove me wrong, but given that the only consistent sack production has been coming from the interior this season, I’ll expect them to fall a bit short this week. The good news is that they’ll have a chance to make up for it in a much more appetizing Week 6 matchup with the banged-up Carolina Panthers offensive line.

Don’t panic if the pass rush doesn’t have a great showing in Week 5. Hopefully, they will get some pressure, but if not, it’s not time to throw in the towel on the team’s strong front.

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