Jeff Curry US Presswire
If you enjoy seeing a ton of points scored, then this matchup is just for you. Robert Griffin III is going bonkers in the early stages of his rookie season and he is doing it with mid-level talent around him.
The defense lost Adam Carriker and their top overall player arguably in Brian Orakpo. This ‘Skins defense will not improve over night and it means the offense will only go as far RGIII takes them.
He threw for 200 yards and ran for another 60-plus in the 31-28 Rams defeat, but a wide receiver needs to step up. The loss of Pierre Garcon hurt this team last week and he is still not quite 100% although we could see him play on Sunday (questionable, foot).
The main issue will be the Redskins pass defense going up against Andy Dalton and AJ Green, mainly because this might be the best young duo in the AFC.
Green has not had the breakout game he is looking for yet, but DeAngelo Hall is not the same player he once was say five years ago. While he still is a respectable starting corner with his once elite speed, Hall will be tested against Green.
Andrew Hawkins and Armon Binns are a decent pair of weapons for Dalton as well and the Redskins secondary has given up the second most passing yards in football (313.5 YPG).
Expect a field day from both quarterbacks although it certainly looks like Washington’s best chance of winning this game is stopping the Lawfirm on the ground.
Without Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan and Perry Riley need to bottle up Benjarvus Green-Ellis and pray he doesn’t bust off one long run because it could play out to be the difference.
Washington will counter with the duel-threat ability of RGIII and Alfred Morris, and even without Thomas Howard (ACL) the Bengals should improve upon their 19th rated run defense (126).
The former Sun Devil Vontaze Burfict will fill in for Howard for a second straight week and the safety help might give the Bengals the slightest of edges in this matchup.
Taylor Mays and Reggie Nelson have had some question marks, but both athletes are capable of forcing a few turnovers since they seem poised to turn the corner in their young careers by learning from a few veteran corners (Nate Clements, Terrance Newman).
Network: CBS (712)
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern
Experts Pick: Redskins by 3
Danny V’s Pick: Bengals 28, Redskins 27
