Patriots vs. Redskins: Who Holds the Edge in Every Phase of the Game?

The New England Patriots are once again big favorites to win their game against the Washington Redskins, who give up a full nine points at home to their opponents.

There are some opportunities for the Redskins to make this game closer than it's predicted to be. For one, they must get an excellent pass rush out of Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. 

But they must do a whole lot more than that, especially if they want to get their season back on track.

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter.

Patriots Passing Game vs. Redskins Pass Defense

When you look at what the Redskins are able to do defensively—Tom Brady said this, as well—it starts with Kerrigan and Orakpo. The Patriots have faced a lot of good pass-rushers this year, and this is just another test along the way.

Once again, it appears if the opposing team has a chance, it lies in the hands of the pass rush.

The reason for that is because they're not so great on the back end. Although they've allowed just 14 passing touchdowns this season, they've given up over 60 percent completions and grabbed just eight interceptions.

Although the "Brady hasn't thrown an interception since..." routine gets a little old, it's worth noting that he hasn't had one during their four-game winning streak after throwing two against the Giants.

One key matchup to watch here is Kerrigan and Orakpo in coverage against tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Brady commented on the quickness of the two linebackers in coverage, but Hernandez and Gronkowski have yet to meet their match this season.

Advantage: Patriots 

Patriots Running Game vs. Redskins Run Defense

While the Patriots don't rely on their running game to get things done, they'd certainly like to get more out of it than they have. They are averaging just 3.2 yards per carry during their four-game winning streak against the Jets, Chiefs, Eagles and Colts.

That being said, they have rushed for five touchdowns in that span, which points to the situational use of the running game this season. 

This isn't exactly a stifling run defense they're facing, either, which has allowed over 100 yards rushing in seven of their last eight games.

Barry Cofield could have a field day, as he has been a revelation on the inside of Washington's line and will face either a banged-up Dan Connolly, an underachieving Ryan Wendell or someone who just started his first game in Nick McDonald.

Expect the Redskins to keep the running game in check between the 20s, but the Patriots will probably punch in a score or two close to the goal line.

Advantage: Patriots

Redskins Passing Game vs. Patriots Pass Defense

The lament over the passing yards is getting a little old, and while it's true that nearly any quarterback who can lace his cleats can throw for 250 or more yards against the Patriots defense, that's not something the Patriots care about.

Any quarterback that throws more interceptions than touchdowns isn't a safe bet against the Patriots, who so often capitalize on that type of quarterback. They are once again among the top teams in interceptions, with 17 on the season thus far.

Grossman's final numbers may look good, but New England will trade that if they get the key stops they need, especially in a road game in a tough environment.

Advantage: Patriots

Redskins Running Game vs. Patriots Run Defense

Roy Helu has been great in two games as the lead rusher for the Redskins, carrying the ball 46 times for 208 yards and a pair of touchdowns, one in each game. While one of his opponents was the cupcake Seattle Seahawks, he had a hot hand against the Jets as well.

Most teams have completely abandoned the run against the Patriots, but mainly because they've been so weak against the pass. When they have run, it's been effective. 

New England hasn't stopped opposing running games much recently, and despite shutting down LeSean McCoy, they've given up 98 or more rush yards in five of their last seven games. Despite a top-10 rush defense, they give up a very average 4.2 yards per carry, which ranks 17th in the league. 

Although the Patriots may have Brandon Spikes back for this game, the Redskins have been a pretty convincing unit running the ball this season.

Advantage: Redskins

Special Teams

The kick return game has been all but removed from football, leaving punt returns as the most impactful special teams play.

Redskins punt returner Brandon Banks averages 10.6 yards per punt return, but hasn't run one back for a touchdown yet this season. Julian Edelman, however, ran one back just a couple of weeks ago, albeit against the Chiefs. He averages a whopping 11.8 yards per punt return, which ranks seventh in the NFL.

Although Stephen Gostkowski hasn't had one of his best seasons, Graham Gano is hitting just 70 percent of his tries. If this game comes down to special teams, New England has to have the upper hand.

Advantage: Patriots 

Coaching

Two of the game's best head coaches in recent memory square off, and Bill Belichick wasn't hesitant to admit that Mike Shanahan has gotten the better of him on more than one occasion.

"I think Mike liked me because he used to like to beat up on us all the time," he said, according to Patriots.com. "[When] he was [in] Denver, they got us a few times."

That being said, those were different days with different players. With two Super Bowl wins to Belichick's three, it's practically splitting hairs to compare the two, who are about as evenly matched as they come.

Advantage: Wash

Conclusion

With the Patriots edging out the Redskins in so many areas, this looks like a sure win. For that reason, the road environment and the underdog aspect has some worried about the potential for a trap game.

However, if the Patriots can simply do what they've done so well over the past few weeks—take care of the ball and take advantage when the opponent doesn't take care of the ball—they should be able to escape with their 10th win of the season.

Prediction: Patriots 31, Redskins 23