goldenster95 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 Why To Watch Both teams face tough divisional races and must win early to gain momentum and foster chemistry. Die-hard fans are turning up the heat with high expectations for both teams. Joe Gibbs' reputation is on the line; the Redskins went 6-10 in his first season back, in which eight victories secured the NFC wild-card berth. And Lovie Smith's job with the Bears might be in danger as well. Smith, already on his second offensive coordinator, enters his second season with controversy about the quarterback position and running back Cedric Benson's holdout. Bears Keys For Success 1. QB Kyle Orton must get comfortable early in the passing game. To do so, Orton must connect with wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad. That would take pressure off if the game is close going into the second half. Relying on the running game also would give Orton a break, but Washington has an outstanding run defense and will challenge the Bears to throw by loading the box. 2. Get gap penetration on Washington's offensive line. The defense depends on the front four getting penetration and making plays in the backfield -- or at least stretching out the running game for the linebackers to come up and make plays. Without penetration, the defense stalls. The Redskins' offensive line is strong, but it's more powerful than quick. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris will match up against right guard Randy Thomas, and that will be a battle. Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye is in midseason form and will test Redskins right tackle Jon Jansen, who is returning from injury. 3. Win the field position battle on special teams. Every 10 yards the special teams gain is a first down Orton won't have to get. Chicago was in the top five in the NFC in punt return average, but the team cut punt returner R.W. McQuarters in favor of reserve wide receiver Bernard Berrian. Kick returner Jerry Azumah is battling health issues, but Berrian and Nathan Vasher will return kicks in Azumah's absence. Redskins Keys For Success 1. Establish the running game early. Coaches changed their protection schemes and running game to better suit the strengths of running back Clinton Portis. Now, Portis has more freedom to make decisions and cuts in the backfield and pick his hole, as opposed to forcing him to hit the assigned hole even when there was no opening. 2. QB Patrick Ramsey must make solid decisions under pressure. The Bears might have the league's best threesome of pass rushing defensive linemen in Ogunleye, Harris and defensive end Alex Brown. Ramsey will be under constant pressure; he must recognize coverages quickly and release the ball in the proper progression -- and not get baited by cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Azumah. 3. Shut down the running attack. Ron Turner, the Bears' new offensive coordinator, favors a power running game to set up the play-action pass. Thomas Jones remains the No. 1 back because of Benson's holdout, and the power game is not Jones' forte. If the Redskins can negate Jones' effectiveness, Orton will be forced into attempting an aerial attack against a tough nickel defense. The Bottom Line These teams have a lot of the same traits, including instability at quarterback. But the Redskins have an edge on offense and a defensive coordinator who will overwhelm the Bears' rookie QB. Washington will win, but not by a big margin. Pick: Redskins 17, Bears 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@DCGoldPants Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I'll take 17 to 10. But I think it won't be that close. I think the Bears don't get in the endzone. 17-6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Jones Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 Can we start the game already? Maybe just a few days early. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neophyte Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I'd take 17-10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmchairRedskin Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 Just a note, Portis, in his two games facing the Bears, averaged 11.8 yds with the Broncs and 4.8 yds with the Skins with 14/165 and 36/171 respectively. However, he has yet to score a TD against them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedskinzOwnU Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 11.8?? wow, thats nuts. Let's see that again!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bricucci Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I'm thinking 24-6! A rookie qb against a Greg Williams D, the Skins should eat Orton for lunch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoCalMike Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I actually think this game is one of those games where it will be 17-10 in the 3rd quarter, but we will score again, which will have us up by two scores, and it will force the Bears to take too many risks on offense with Orton at the QB position and then we will run away with the game in the 4th quarter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budski Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I would expect the skins to score somewhere around 24 points. Orton will throw a couple of picks. Skins defense will probably give up 7. And Dallas will lose to the Chargers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris 44 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I would expect the skins to score somewhere around 24 points.Orton will throw a couple of picks. Skins defense will probably give up 7. And Dallas will lose to the Chargers. I like your way of thinking! :dallasuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B&GPride44 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 Good Lord, I can only hope and pray that you guys are right. We have to beat these guys...Little early for a must win...But we have to start finally winning the games we should win to take that next step! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek1973 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 You know I have read a few articles where the keys to victory for the Bears are get their D to score a TD from a Ramsey INT etc etc. NOT ONE article said the same thing for the skins D and they are the ones that have a rookie QB. So why couldn't the skins score a TD from a INT? This is how bias the reporting has been on the skins. Its like "oh yea they have a good D but Ramsey throw a INT and they will lose". Gregg Williams was adamant that this year the turnovers was the most important focus for his D and the way we tackle in droves you would think we will be good this year in this department. But the media will never give us that credit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldog Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 this is probably the best matchup the Redskins could hope to have in Week 1. you get a rookie qb and a top draft pick who is coming in out of shape and will see limited time. you add that together with an athletic defense which lacks size - the perfect foil for a larger and stronger Redskins offensive line and multiple back attack. I think you are going to see Cooley and Betts be productive in the passing game. And I think you will see Clinton Portis close this game out in the second half with a big play or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenebean9 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 greetings all! just popping in from over at the bears board - wish you good luck with the season! we both have high hopes for our teams, and hopefully we'll both be successful. i think it will be a hard fought game, with two very different types of defense and two struggling offenses (though i give you guys more credit at having a better offense, for now) i dont see it being anywhere near a high scoring game, and as much as i want the bears to win (duh!) i think it can go either way, depending on turnovers. i think that will be key. i already made a prediction on the bears board that we win 13-10, but that can easily go either way. anyways, here's to a good (and injury free!) game! best of luck to you and your season :-) -thene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVAbrendan Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I still say 24-10 Redskins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrfriedm Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I'd be very happy with a 17-10 victory, but I think it will be closer to 28-9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD_washingtonredskins Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 Redskins 23 Bears 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chef8181 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 While the starters where playing, our offensive line dominated in the preseason against some great defenses. So despite how greate their D is suppose to be I'm going to doubt it's as good as the Ravens or Steelers. As long as Portis gets rolling early that Ramesy shouldn't see much pressure. The key will be him not turning the ball over. And I bet the gameplan is very conservative to ensure that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Washington Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 i remember alex brown having a good game last season. he's definately one to watch. oh yea skins 35 bears 6 portis scores 2tds ramsey throws 2tds (moss and royal) fumble/int for touchdown by defense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clubisyohankovic Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 You know I have read a few articles where the keys to victory for the Bears are get their D to score a TD from a Ramsey INT etc etc. NOT ONE article said the same thing for the skins D and they are the ones that have a rookie QB. So why couldn't the skins score a TD from a INT? This is how bias the reporting has been on the skins. Its like "oh yea they have a good D but Ramsey throw a INT and they will lose". Gregg Williams was adamant that this year the turnovers was the most important focus for his D and the way we tackle in droves you would think we will be good this year in this department. But the media will never give us that credit. I think you may be looking for a reason to be angry. Maybe the media is saying that the "Bears D scoring points on a turnover" is a key to a Bears victory because their offense is not very good. So, they might be giving the Skins offense a little credit, implying that the Skins could easily win this game without their defense needing to score? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mookie0720 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 You know I have read a few articles where the keys to victory for the Bears are get their D to score a TD from a Ramsey INT etc etc. NOT ONE article said the same thing for the skins D and they are the ones that have a rookie QB. So why couldn't the skins score a TD from a INT? This is how bias the reporting has been on the skins. Its like "oh yea they have a good D but Ramsey throw a INT and they will lose". Gregg Williams was adamant that this year the turnovers was the most important focus for his D and the way we tackle in droves you would think we will be good this year in this department. But the media will never give us that credit. Solely based on last year, our offense gave up WAY more TD's than the defense scored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redskin81 Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 Coach Joe Gibbs calls in Chris Monk who drives the Redskins up and down the field for 7 td's, and Coach Gibbs declares him the franchise qb. O wait that was just a dream i had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nneece Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 How about 42- 7? We need to put a whippin' on someone so we can get some respect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fdarugar Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 I'll go Skins 24 Da Bears 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheREALJBird Posted September 7, 2005 Share Posted September 7, 2005 yea i think we'll def. win by more than a TD....a shutout would not at all suprise me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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