Week 3 Preview: Washington Redskins Visit The St. Louis Rams For First Away Game

Donovan McNabb and company are making their first trip away from Fedex Field this week to visit Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams.

McNabb is coming off of a huge week against a good Texans defense where he passed for over 400 yards and a TD. Now he gets to take on a weak Rams defense who has not really played anybody yet.

The Rams have lost both games to start the season. They have only given up 33 points so far, but only scored 27. Their games have been close against the Cardinals and Raiders, neither of which have overwhelming passing offenses which McNabb showed everyone the Redskins could have during Week 2. 

The Rams only given up 248 yards per game through the air so far this year, but their competition needs to be considered. Derek Anderson and the Cardinals were their Week 1 opponent. Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski for the Raiders were their opponents in Week 2.

One good thing to remember Skins fans is the Rams run defense is... less than stellar. They have given up an average of 142.5 yards per game for the first two weeks.

I will again stress the level of talent the Rams have faced which has not been the level of Clinton Portis. Most people will not argue that Tim Hightower and Darren McFadden are not on the same level as Portis in the elite running back conversation.

Could this be the week the Redskins running game breaks out?

Okay, everyone, let's do the bobble head technique. The simple answer to that question is yes.

The Redskins defense cannot take a break this weekend. They were picked apart last week by Matt Schaub but Sam Bradford is no Matt Schaub. The Skins defense has been known this season for stopping the run very well.

Have the Skins been tested with quality running like Steven Jackson always provides?

Any Redskins fans remember what nearly happened last season and what did happen in 2008?

It appeared the Redskins were looking past the Rams and guess what, they lost.

They cannot look past the Rams this season. No team should ever be looked past. Anyone watching the Lions this year?

I've picked the Redskins to lose both games this season and they are 1-1. This time is different.

Redskins win 23-14.

The difference maker will be Donovan McNabb getting the passing lanes he had last week and Clinton Portis getting to pound the ball better than he has so far this year against a weak run defense.

The defense needs to continue to do what they have done against the run and take Steven Jackson out of the game so Sam Bradford would have the pressure squarely on him.