Len Pasquarelli: Redskins need to force Hawks into third downs

[Dexter's Better]

ESPN Article:

Here are five things to look for in next weekend's NFC divisional-round games:

Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks (Saturday, Jan. 14, 4:30 p.m.)

1. Like every great defensive coordinator, Washington's Gregg Williams is at his creative best on third down, when he can mix-and-match coverages and pass-rush schemes and try to force the action and maybe force a turnover. But the conundrum for Williams is that the Seattle offense never seems to be in third down. Not just third-and-long, but third down, period. The Seahawks had only 192 third-down snaps in the regular season, the second fewest in the NFL, behind only Indianapolis. So the fact the Seahawks converted a fairly modest 39.6 percent of their third-down plays isn't as much of a factor as it might be for some offensive units. Seattle led the league in scoring drives of 80 yards or more, a testimony to the patience and consistent playmaking skills of Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, and to his ability to keep the Seahawks out of precarious situations. That, in part, is why the Seahawks had just 17 turnovers, second fewest in the league.

When the Seattle offense gets into tempo, and coach Mike Holmgren is dialed in with his play-calling, it is one of the most efficient units in recent league history. Obviously, Williams, who demonstrated in the Redskins' wild-card victory at Tampa Bay that he is worth every penny of the $8 million contract extension owner Dan Snyder gave him last week, can't wait for third down to spring whatever surprises he might have in his deep grab bag. The Seahawks, who averaged 6.25 yards on first down, just aren't in very many disadvantageous down-and-distance situations. Williams might have to try to force the action on earlier downs. This is a more high-octane Seattle offense than the one that the Redskins limited to 17 points in an Oct. 2 overtime win at FedEx Field, and the Redskins' defense will have to be even better than it was that day.

2. Is it better to have one dominating wide receiver or a full contingent of lower-profile yet consistent wideouts who seemingly come at you in waves? This game might help answer that question. Clearly, the most explosive big-play performer in this game will be Redskins wideout Santana Moss. The five-year veteran gave the Redskins the vertical dimension the offense sorely needed in '05. His 17.7-yard average was second-highest among players with at least 60 receptions, and Moss had 10 catches of 40 yards or more. Six of his nine touchdowns were 32 yards or more, and he averaged 43.7 yards per scoring catch. But the Redskins didn't have another wide receiver with more than 22 catches, and no one stepped into the No. 2 complementary role. Tight end and H-back Chris Cooley had 71 receptions and seven touchdowns, and he is very clever in the red zone.

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Say what you want about his previous work --- I think this is best article (insightful and direct) he has written in a REALLY long time. Maybe Art had an influence?

[freakinandpeakin]

The Skins also have to force the Seahawks into fourth down and into punting situations. :doh::obvious:

[sumodat]

A direct result of ART ripping him in Tampon Bay????

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

:applause: Art

[PapaDRoc]

Seems like Lenny is giving us a decent chance of beating Seattle. Thats good to hear.

..........Meanwhile I'm trying to remember the last time he has written two positive articles on the Skins in one week. :whoknows:

[Art]

Closing this thread simply because this article was posted earlier. No need for two.

Cheers.