Redskins vs. Seahawks: 6 Crucial Matchups the Redskins Have to Win

The Washington Redskins take to the road to do battle with the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. Mike Shanahan's NFC East cellar dwellers will attempt to return to winning ways and salvage some pride from the remainder of the season.

The Seahawks present an interesting challenge. Pete Carroll's team have been very inconsistent throughout the campaign.

The defending NFC West Champions have produced their best efforts against tough opposition. The Seahawks have upset both the Giants and the Ravens already this year.

They enter this contest with a two-game winning streak and will be anxious to keep their slim postseason hopes alive.

Here are six critical matchups the Redskins have to win if they hope to get the better of the Seahawks.

6. Trent Williams and Jammal Brown vs. Chris Clemons

The Redskins will have to control the edge pressure generated by Seattle's best pass-rusher, Chris Clemons. He leads the Seahawks with five sacks and is a consistent threat off the perimeter.

The Seahawks like to utilise Clemons as an "elephant-style" rusher and move him around to create favourable pass-rush opportunities.

So, both Trent Williams and Jammal Brown can expect to see plenty of Clemons. Williams and Brown will need to ensure their footwork and technique are precise. They must beat Clemons to the edge.

5. Will Montgomery vs. Brandon Mebane and Alan Branch

Will Montgomery has to help the Redskins win the battle inside against Brandon Mebane and Alan Branch. The Seahawks posses one of the stronger run defenses in the league. Their efforts are spearheaded by their mammoth tackle tandem.

If the Redskins hope to establish any kind of a ground game, they must control Mebane and Branch. Seattle's defense operates an aggressive under front and Montgomery will most often be matched up with underrated nose tackle Brandon Mebane.

Montgomery will need to use his athleticism to counter the quick first step and aggression of the 311-pounder. The Redskins center will also need plenty of help from guards Chris Chester and Maurice Hurt, to help repel the 6'6" 325-pound Branch.

Washington's offense needs to be able to rely on at least a serviceable running game. The Seahawks' opportunistic secondary has thrived on quarterbacks who have been forced to air it out early and often.

4. Fred Davis vs. David Hawthorne

The Redskins should be able to find some joy if they can isolate Fred Davis against middle linebacker David Hawthorne.

The Seahawks use a lot of safety blitzes and man coverage in deep areas, so Hawthorne is usually left to handle pass coverage responsibilities in the middle zones.

Hawthorne has snared two interceptions this season, but Davis has the speed, strength and route-running skills to get the better of him.

If Santana Moss returns to patrol the slot, there should be plenty of one-on-one opportunities for Davis to exploit.

3. Ryan Kerrigan vs. Breno Giacomini

Star rookie outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan could have a field day against stand-in right tackle Breno Giacomini.

The Seahawks have had a lot of problems at the right side of their offensive line. Giacomini is the latest player to fill in for injured rookie James Carpenter.

Kerrigan is steadily emerging into the prime playmaker on the Redskins' defense. His quick takeoff, tremendous strength and hustle have led to five sacks.

The former Boilermakers' standout has the skill set to take advantage of the weak point in Seattle's blocking schemes.

2. London Fletcher vs. Marshawn Lynch

Defensive talisman London Fletcher will need to lead the charge for the Redskins' run defense and spearhead their efforts to repel Seahawks' rusher Marshawn Lynch.

Having gone over 100-yards in two of his last three games, Lynch could be primed for a big day against the Redskins.

His bulldozing style could yield a lot of yards against a Washington run defense that has often struggled to be physical enough at the point of attack.

Fletcher's enthusiasm and appetite for the tackle will be key in corralling Lynch. Nose tackle Barry Cofield must hold up inside and ensure that there are plenty of free pursuit lanes for Fletcher to attack.

1. Josh Wilson vs. Doug Baldwin

Former Seahawk Josh Wilson will need to be at his best to subdue the efforts of Seattle's first-year sensation Doug Baldwin.

The rookie free-agent wideout from Stanford has added some real dynamism to the Seahawks' offense and he poses a threat which Washington cannot ignore.

Despite DeAngelo Hall's recent assertion that he no longer merits a place on the team, it is likely that the motor-mouth corner will most likely take Sidney Rice in coverage.

That means that Wilson will be left to deal with Baldwin. Wilson must respect Baldwin's deceptive vertical speed and work hard to keep the young pass catcher in front of him.

The veteran corner will need to be physical at the line of scrimmage, to prevent a clean release from Baldwin and reroute him.

A Chance to Play Spoiler and Lay the Foundation for a Strong Finish

The Redskins have the opportunity to end the Seahawks' faint hopes for the playoffs. Washington can gain a measure of revenge for two painful playoff defeats suffered in Seattle, during the last decade.

Aside from the chance to play spoiler, an upset road win would lift the mood and atmosphere surrounding the Redskins.

Restoring the confidence amongst both the players and the fans, could generate some momentum to help create a strong and positive finish to the season.