One Advantage the Washington Redskins Have over Each Division Foe in 2012

The Washington Redskins may not be slated to make a trip to the Super Bowl this year, but they are expected to be better than last season. They have the makings of an elite defense and have a shiny new quarterback who has a lot of hype to live up to.

With the NFC East looking as daunting as usual, the Redskins will need to take advantage of their division rivals any way they can.

If you believe Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, Washington will finish 3-13 this season and fail to win a single division game despite eking out two last season. If you believe in hoping for the best, the Redskins have some advantages over the likes of Dallas, Philadelphia and New York.

Front Seven vs. Philadelphia's Offense

If not for Rex Grossman's five touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles, perhaps the Redskins could have won one of their two meetings last season. The Redskins looked awful against the Eagles two years ago but played much better last season despite the lopsided 34-10 season finale.

This season, the Redskins boast a defensive front with a ton of potential to tear opposing backfields apart.

Michael Vick may be one of the more dynamic quarterbacks to ever play the game, but he is susceptible to big hits when he fails to recognize blitzes. Last season, the Redskins tallied four sacks against the Eagles, with Vick missing a few plays following one nasty hit.

When flustered, Vick falls back on old habits, making him easier to contain.

Between Brian Orakpo, Stephen Bowen, Ryan Kerrigan and Adam Carriker, the Redskins produced 28 sacks in what was considered a disappointing year for the talented 3-4 unit. This year should be different, and the traditionally inconsistent Eagles' offensive line could find itself unprepared for the heat the Redskins will bring.

Passing Attack vs. Dallas Defense

The Dallas Cowboys played great defense against the run but allowed 3,906 passing yards, 23rd in the NFL last season. The Redskins may have a rookie quarterback and a lot of receivers that need proving, but Big D is going to need more than DeMarcus Ware to keep Washington's offense from moving the ball.

Mike Shanahan loves moving the pocket, and the Cowboys' secondary has shown holes even when quarterbacks stay inside the tackle box.

What gives the Redskins an advantage is the relative unknown that is their receiving corps. Pierre Garcon had a great season with Indianapolis last year, but he also had Reggie Wayne drawing attention. Leonard Hankerson has potential as a No. 2 but has to stay healthy.

Regardless of the questions surrounding the unit, Washington has players who can get yards after the catch, and it is something the Dallas defense isn't going to expect.

Last Season's Regular Season Sweep vs. New York Giants

The New York Giants are a great defensive team but lack an impressive offensive attack. However, they know when to turn it on, and have turned timely shifts in momentum into two Super Bowl wins in five years.

Last season, though, the Giants stumbled not once but twice against the lowly Washington Redskins.

The 'Skins have a stout defense but have a lot to prove on offense. However, they outscored the Giants 51-24 last season en route to a series sweep of the ultimate champions. It may not be a nice, tangible advantage, but knowing they beat a division rival on their road to the Super Bowl gives the Redskins a little extra motivation to stick it to them again.