Black & Gold Xs & Os: Last Minute Preview of Saints-Redskins

Sunday in DC, look for the Saints to take an army-like approach, that is by ground. Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas should both have field days, if the offensive line blocks well and the offense stays on schedule.

I may be the only one, but I am extremely intrigued by this opponent for a number of reasons. First, is that Washington is the team the Saints played in their last opportunity to clinch the NFC South title in 2006. I should remember since it's the only time I've ever been to the Superdome.

That game was amazingly disappointing, but the Saints still clinched the division that afternoon. Interestingly enough, the same is possible this weekend. Really, the only thing that must happen is an Atlanta loss.

It wouldn't bother me too much if the Saints were to lose, since I may be the only Saints fan who is now rooting for the team to lose at least one regular season game (I'm assuming Minnesota will lose at least once more themselves).

That being said, I would prefer it come next week versus Atlanta, or really in the season finale against Carolina.

On that note, if the Saints do clinch tomorrow, do you consider resting your starters next week? Then they can play full go versus Dallas, maybe rest against Tampa Bay, and play about a half versus Carolina. With a bye they need some action in Week 17.

But I digress. Of more importance is how to beat the Redskins. In my opinion, they are a very talented team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Their scheme is a little dry, but they are still a decent defense.

They rush four on most downs and will most likely keep to that strategy given Drew Brees' efficiency versus the blitz. Behind that, they play a lot of coverage. They'll play some two, but mix in one and four.

This season, Brees and Co. have absolutely torn apart zone coverages. Washington must make a decision if they want to go zone versus Brees or play more man-to-man. But it really should be pick your poison as far as the Saints are concerned. Brees can hit the big ones, or methodically move the ball.

I did mention too that the ground game should be effective. I say this because the Redskins' defensive line is built to rush the QB and their SLB, Brian Orakpo, is much more of a pass rusher than run stopper. I would run an off tackle zone to his side on half of my run plays.

When they start to overload that side in their lane fills, Mike Bell, the cutback extraordinaire, will hit them where it hurts most. 

On the goalline, I would get into some bunch formations, but use some playaction because their linebackers are not great in coverage, especially to the flats or in space.

Defensively, the Saints know pretty much what to expect. The Redskins use a one-back version of the West Coast Offense. They moved fullback Mike Sellers to an H-Back position, which is basically a second tight end.

They like to run the ball to his side on zone plays and get him out to the flats in the passing game. The rest of their passing game is pretty much a short-to-intermediate package. They don't throw the ball deep over the middle or even up the seams very often.

As far as the offensive line, they are a mash unit, that is not very good in pass protection. Schematically, they like to slide protect and go big-on-big on the outside. This means Will Smith, Charles Grant, and Bobby McCray have a chance to win one-on-one battles all day.

I would help give them an advantage occasionally by running some overload blitzes with a safety, corner, or even outside linebacker. Giving Jason Campbell multiple looks will throw him off a bit. He is not a dumb QB, but he struggles to process information quickly enough to make good decisions.

I would play almost exclusively man-to-man coverage on the slots, since they never go deep. On the outside, I might show some press and back off or vice-versa just to potentially bait them into trying a deep ball, which could then be undercut for an interception.

I may sound confident. I hope I do. I think this should be a fun game for New Orleans fans. NFC South Champs sounds pretty nice to me.