Redskins Roundtable: A Monday Night Party!

The Redskins are 6-2, going into a bigtime Monday Night matchup against Pittsburgh this week. What more could we here in the Nation's Capital want?!?  So now it's time to break down the game and see where the Skins stand amongst the top teams in the NFL.

Can the Skins offense convert its scoring chances into actual points this week against a tough Steelers defense? (Jennifer Johnson)

The Redskins continue to struggle scoring touchdowns in the redzone for a number of reasons, some out of their control, and some their own miscues.   Penalties like Jon Jansen's second quarter 15-yard face mask penalty on 3 and 1, negated a 1st down inside the 20 yard line against the Lions last week.  And just like an avalanche with this team, one bad play begets another, until the series stalls and we settle for a field goal or punt. 

However, if we expand our playbook and use some trick plays we can catch the defense of the Steelers napping.  I haven't seen Jason Campbell use the play action pass much or utilize the draw play.   Its been a steady diet of Clinton Portis bulldozing his way through the d-line, or JC checking down to his 2nd or third options.  

I believe Randle El should get in on the action and use his quarterbacking skills.  Roll him out to the right side of the o-line behind Heyer or Jansen and let him make a play with his arm.  

I believe we have players that we aren't using that much either.   I think we should use Fred Davis and Chris Cooley for a two tight end set. Both are bulky and hard to tackle.   In the Arizona game, Cooley created separation by lining up to block and then spinning away from his defensive counterpart.  He is our guy for yards after the catch, so if we aren't using him in the redzone than we are fools. 

It's about execution.  If we hurt ourselves by dropping balls and not protecting Jason, then we will be going back not forward.

If we control the time of possession we can tire the Pittsburgh defense out, and take some shots down the field.  Strike early and don't let up.    Stay hungry boys.  Want it more!!!

At the midpoint, The Skins are 6-2! How will they perform in the second half with a rookie coach and several tough injuries? (Craig Garrison Sr.)

There is a distinct possibility that the very long season for the Skins could end up derailing this season for them. I truly believe that this is where we will see Zorn's true abilities. Zorn still feels like he's playing the game, he has even said as much. This reality will come into play as his team deals with the long season. The Redskins have already played 13 football games this season. With the 80 man roster limit through training camp, this means that there are players on this team who have been at it for over 4 months already. This has got to takes it's toll on the team.

I think Zorn has an excellent idea of how to work his players through this point in the season, AND the bye is coming at a perfect time. Zorn has done a few things that are absolutely unconventional, and I think we'll see even more of that as the season progresses. The way he has handled the Malcolm Kelly situation is going to be critical as well. If Kelly can get healthy and get on the field late in the season, it would be a huge boost to down the stretch. If he can't get healthy, does Zorn already know where he will turn for another wide out?

These things are going to be answered in the coming weeks, and I think Zorn has it under control. Of course, any major injury to most any starter can mess up the best plans. But this team seems fairly well constructed and I expect they can survive, and finish the second half the season much the same way have done the first half. I will be surprised if they are worse than 5-3 in the next eight games, but I then again, I have been surprised before.

With Clinton Portis leading the league in rushing and helping anchor a 6-2 team, should he be getting MVP consideration? (Jack Anderson)

There is no doubt Clinton should be receiving some serious consideration for the league's most valuable player. He has taken his game to an entirely new level this season and has consistently ripped off big gainers en route to consistently putting up 100+ yard games.

Let's face it. CP is in elite company. He will most probably rush for over 10,000 yards in his career. He just set a record that only one other running back has achieved. He wants to play and he wants to win. This year that fire really shows.

SI and CBS Sportsline both have analysts giving him the award at midseason. I agree completely. It yours to lose, Clinton.

What should the gameplan consist of against Pittsburgh? (Jack Anderson)

The Skins employed a fairly balanced attack last week and it amassed nearly 450 yards of offense. However, the Steelers are a completely different story from the Lions.

Pittsburgh boasts the number one defense in the NFL. They are third against the pass and first against the run, posing a much tougher test for the Skins.

At face value it might appear to be a pick your poison when calling plays against this defense. However, Jason Campbell has been so efficient this year that I say throw early, challenge that secondary. I firmly believe the Skins should be using the pass to set up the run in this game.

If the Skins can get up early, it will be much to their advantage. They have the 6th ranked defense in the NFL and something tells me they will be able to contain the Steelers offense considering Willie Parker will not be given a full load.

So the Skins offense must get a lead in order to force the Steelers to become less run oriented. Ben Roethlisberger struggled last week and with our physical secondary, it could happen again. A Skins' lead means more pressure on a Steelers offense that is missing a key player and is going up against a confident defense.

The Skins know how to dominate time of possession and keep opposing offenses out of rhythm. I expect them to keep this up, but to really take control they need to score on their efficient drives.

I really like the Skins' chances this week. I feel that they might really break out of this mini-funk on offense and score some points. I don't think the Steelers offense will be able to keep up and thus the Skins will show the nation how they can play on a national stage against a bigtime opponent.

Maybe I'm overlooking them, but last week I saw a very beatable team. Execution will be key and I think the Skins will execute to perfection.

Final Score Prediction: Redskins win 27-17.