Patriots vs. Redskins: 6 Matchups Washington Must Win

The Washington Redskins will face several challenging, individual matchups when they take on the New England Patriots this Sunday.

It will be important for the Redskins to try and at least contain New England in the areas where the Patriots are the strongest and also exploit any points of weakness. In certain areas, the Redskins could hold a slight edge and it will be vital for any advantage to be maximised.

As a follow-up to the five potential keys for victory, here are six matchups the Redskins need to win in order to execute a successful game plan.

6. Will Smith or Sean Locklear vs. Andre Carter

The Redskins must decide between either journeyman Sean Locklear or rookie free agent Will Smith to replace the suspended Trent Williams at left tackle.

Whoever gets the nod will have the difficult job of dealing with former Redskin Andre Carter. The skilled veteran pass-rusher has put together a fine season since returning to his preferred 4-3 system.

Having been moved back to the open side of the formation, Carter has been able to utilise his quickness and fine technique to quickly become the Patriots' most feared pass rusher.

Locklear has the size to envelop the smaller Carter, but might be too cumbersome to risk against such a proficient speed rusher.

Smith possesses the raw athleticism to be a success in Mike Shanahan's zone blocking scheme. He has filled in for Williams at times this season, but has often appeared out of his depth.

His inexperience could be ruthlessly exposed by a player as savvy as Carter, but Smith seems a better fit for the Redskins schemes. This is a good opportunity to really asses his abilities.

Washington's offense will probably be best served using blocking tight end Logan Paulsen or a running back to regularly chip Carter and help out the makeshift left tackle.

5. Josh Wilson vs. Deion Branch

Like every other team, the Redskins will pay a lot of attention to Wes Welker. But they cannot afford to ignore the big-play threat posed by Deion Branch.

The 5'9", 195-pound flanker is a veteran of the Patriots system and perhaps Tom Brady's true favourite receiver.

Despite not being particularly physically imposing, Branch has a knack for producing the big play. The 10-year pro is a clever and precise route-runner.

Josh Wilson will need to maintain his concentration and respect Branch's deceptive downfield speed. Wilson needs to rebound from an indifferent showing against the New York Jets.

The former Baltimore Raven will need to walk the fine line between aggression and discipline. Branch is an expert at double moves and when the Patriots need a big gain, they usually look his way.

4. London Fletcher vs. Rob Gronkowski

The Redskins' best defensive player will have his hands full attempting to control the multiple threats posed by the Patriots' brilliant young tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Greybeard tackle specialist London Fletcher could be the ideal player to contain Gronkowski. The bruising pass-catcher is as much of a weapon deep down the field, as he is in underneath areas and the red zone.

Fletcher may have lost a step, but he remains quick for an inside linebacker. His intelligence and instincts allow him to be more than serviceable in coverage.

With the Redskins likely to double Welker, Fletcher must ensure that Gronkowski is not granted a clean release off the line to attack the seams.

3. Ryan Kerrigan vs. Sebastian Vollmer

Considering that the struggling Brian Orakpo will be matched up against the outstanding Matt Light, the Redskins' best hope for edge pressure will come from rookie Ryan Kerrigan's dual with Sebastian Vollmer.

The Redskins' budding young star is rapidly becoming a standout performer in the team's 3-4 front. He has the quick first step, power and determination to expose the injury-prone Vollmer.

The 6'8", 315-pound right tackle missed last week's game against the Indianapolis Colts due to injury. Kerrigan presents a tough challenge for a first game back in the lineup.

The Patriots offensive line has been outstanding this season. But if the Redskins front line pass-rushers can overwhelm them, there will be plenty of extra lanes for additional blitzers to get to Brady.

2. Roy Helu vs. Jerod Mayo

Rookie runner Roy Helu will look to continue his brilliant form against a Patriots defense that has struggled in most areas at times this season.

Helu will have to avoid the attentions of aggressive and resourceful linebacker Jerod Mayo. The 6'1", 245-pound 25-year-old is the leading tackler amongst the New England front seven.

He is an intelligent and technically sound linebacker; he quickly diagnoses and reacts to plays. Helu will need to use his speed through the hole and strength at the point of contact to escape Mayo's clutches.

1. Erik Cook vs. Vince Wilfork

The Redskins success trying to establish a potent ground game will likely be determined by their efforts to stand up to mammoth defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.

The hulking veteran is still the linchpin of the Patriots defense and is their best answer to a strong running game.

Inexperienced center Erik Cook faces the toughest challenge of his career. The youngster will need assistance from his guards, but he must be able to at least match Wilfork for tenacity.

Wilfork is a clever player who is deceptively quick for a man his size when moving down the line of scrimmage. Cook must find a way to generate a certain amount of push against the superb nose tackle.

The Key to Victory Will Be in the Trenches

The Redskins ability to match the Patriots in the trenches will determines their chances of scoring a huge upset.

The Patriots consistency has been built on the continued solidity of their offensive and defensive fronts. The offensive line still affords Brady the time to work through his reads.

Even though the defense has been shaky, in the big games the line has delivered, pressuring quarterbacks and shutting down the running game.

The Redskins have to stand up to the Patriots along the lines. Washington's defensive front has the ability to harass Brady and push the pocket, but can they deliver in the clutch moments?

The onus will be on the dubious offensive front to resist the Patriots' deep and talented defensive line rotation.