Saints-Redskins Preview: Position-By-Position Comparisons

Jonathan Vilma quickly made a positive impact on his new team.  He led the way with nine tackles against the Buccaneers.  He will be playing this week, however, without fellow linebacker Scott Fujita due to a knee injury.  Fujita sealed the Saints' win with an interception with less than a minute remaining in the game.

London Fletcher led all Redskins with 17 tackles against the Giants.  In all, the Washington starting linebackers contributed on 30 tackles last week.

Before Fujita's injury was announced, these teams appeared fairly evenly matched at linebacker.  Now, the edge clearly goes to Washington.

EDGE: Redskins by a solid margin

Secondary

What seemed to be a position of concern for the Saints heading into the start of the season, was a real strength against the Buccaneers even without Mike McKenzie.  Rookie Terry Porter proved to be a solid contributer and Randall Gay held Joey Galloway in check. 

Unfortunately for the Saints, they will be without two of their starters due to injury.  Sean Payton announced that Gay and Roman Harper will not play in this Sunday's game. 

The Redskins held the Super Bowl MVP without a touchdown and intercepted him once.  Plaxico Burress did get over 100 yards against them, but no other Giant got to 30. 

EDGE: Redskins, due to injuries

Special Teams

Neither team boasts spectacular special teams units, though Rock Cartwright had a 50-yard kickoff return against the Giants. 

EDGE: Redskins, slightly

Coaching

Sean Payton is in his third year as head coach of the Saints.  He has led the Saints to the brink of the Super Bowl and won Coach of the Year honors in 2006.

Jim Zorn is a head coach for the first time and has never called plays before this season.  Zorn will be looking for his first NFL win as a head coach.

EDGE: Saints by a wide margin

Prediction

The Saints have been a good road team under Sean Payton going 10-6 in two seasons.  For the Redskins, there's no place like home after suffering a loss on the road to the Giants.  Good leadership will win you a lot of football games and the Saints have big advantages in two leadership positions, quarterback and head coach.

Saints win, 26-17.

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