ESPN.com - NFL - Take 2: Packers vs. RedskinsFriday, October 29, 2004
Scouts Inc.
Tuesday, our scouts filed their advance advance scouting report on this
week's matchup between the Packers and Redskins. Now they're back with a
second look.
Green Bay FS Darren Sharper has torn the posterior cruciate ligament in
his left knee and DC Al Harris has sprained the medial collateral ligament
in his left knee. Both will be fitted with braces and there is a
possibility they play but head coach Mike Sherman may decide to rest them
with the Packers' bye coming next week. If Harris doesn't play, either
Joey Thomas or Jason Horton is expected to replace him and both are
rookies. The inconsistent Bhawoh Jue would replace Sharper if he pulls up
lame.
In addition, the impact the injuries have on their level of play if
Sharper and Harris are in the lineup remains to be seen. Don't be
surprised to see Washington offensive coordinator Joe Bugel test Green
Bay's secondary by taking some chances in the vertical passing game early.
If the Redskins can find their receivers downfield it should get the crowd
more involved and make the Packers hesitant to play eight men in the box.
Washington WLB LaVar Arrington slipped in practice on Monday and sprained
his knee. He is listed as doubtful for this game. While Arrington hasn't
played in the last four games, he had been expected to return before the
setback and he will be missed if he can't play. He is an outstanding pass
rusher and the Redskins move him around in an effort to keep opposing
offensive lines off-balance. His teammates will face more double teams and
they won't be as successful getting to Green Bay QB Brett Favre without
him in the lineup.
The signing of TE Fred Baxter and the release of Walter Rasby during
Washington's bye last week didn't make a big splash around the league but
it was a smart move. Although Baxter is on the downside of his career and
he offers little as a receiver, he is an intelligent blocker that shows
good power at the point of attack. Washington likes to pull their tight
ends around the play-side corner and use them as lead blockers at times
making Baxter a good fit. Expect him to make an immediate impact in short
yardage situations.
Redskins' defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is aggressive and he isn't
afraid to blitz corners off the edge or safeties up the middle. In fact,
DC Shawn Springs is tied for the NFC lead for sacks recorded by a
defensive back. As a result, the Packers' backs will play a big role in
pass protection. They must keep their heads up and attack their blocks so
that Favre has enough space to step into his throws.
Washington rookie FS Sean Taylor was arrested early Thursday morning and
head coach Joe Gibbs has said that it's unlikely he plays in this game. If
Taylor doesn't play, Andre Lott is expected to replace him. Taylor is raw
and Lott is inconsistent so expect the Packers to put pressure on the
Redskins' safeties regardless of who gets the start. Green Bay will run
some multiple receiver-sets and line a receiver up inside of WR Javon
Walker. The receiver lined up in the slot can slant across the middle
while Walker can run a fly-route downfield. If the safety flows inside
with the slot-receiver Walker should be able to get behind DC Fred Smoot.
With WR Donald Driver drawing plenty of attention to the opposite side of
the field, Favre should be able to find the slot receiver over the middle
when the safety gives Smoot help.
Taylor or Lott will need to take excellent pursuit angles in run support
as well. Packers RB Ahman Green possesses rare speed and he is almost
impossible to catch from behind. If Taylor or Lott doesn't take the
correct angle and he gets caught up in traffic, Green could break some
long runs.
Green Bay defensive coordinator Bob Slowik can take out a defensive
lineman rather than a linebacker when he goes to his Nickel package. He
still rushes four-to-five men because he will send one or both linebackers
up the middle. However, using a linebacker rather than a defensive lineman
gives Slowik more options. He can move the linebackers around and they
will crisscross at times. Washington's protection will have to adjust to
the three-man front and movement or QB Mark Brunell will take some big
hits.
The Packers have run a half-back pass in each of their last two games and
both plays resulted in a touchdown. In addition, Green threw one of the
passes while backup Tony Fisher threw the other so the Redskins must be
prepared for both backs throwing downfield. If Washington is too
aggressive filling against the run, Green Bay could make it three games in
a row.
The Redskins frequently run to the strength of the formation but they have
added a back-side toss sweep to help keep opposing defenses off balance.
Green Bay's linebackers cannot get caught up in motion or alignments
because Portis should be able to turn the corner when they get caught out
of position and he is dangerous in the open field.
Special Teams
Washington PK John Hall, who didn't play against Chicago two weeks ago, is
listed as day-to-day with a groin injury. Ola Kimrin would replace Hall if
he's unavailable. Kimrin connected on both of his field goal attempts
including the game-winner in the Bears' game but his inexperience is still
a concern.
Redskins RS Chad Morton has been hindered by injuries but he is always a
threat to go the distance. The Packers' cover teams must play with
discipline and make sure to wrap him up upon contact because he could
change the complexion of this game quickly.
Prediction: Packers 24, Redskins 21
Scouts Inc.
Tuesday, our scouts filed their advance advance scouting report on this
week's matchup between the Packers and Redskins. Now they're back with a
second look.
Green Bay FS Darren Sharper has torn the posterior cruciate ligament in
his left knee and DC Al Harris has sprained the medial collateral ligament
in his left knee. Both will be fitted with braces and there is a
possibility they play but head coach Mike Sherman may decide to rest them
with the Packers' bye coming next week. If Harris doesn't play, either
Joey Thomas or Jason Horton is expected to replace him and both are
rookies. The inconsistent Bhawoh Jue would replace Sharper if he pulls up
lame.
In addition, the impact the injuries have on their level of play if
Sharper and Harris are in the lineup remains to be seen. Don't be
surprised to see Washington offensive coordinator Joe Bugel test Green
Bay's secondary by taking some chances in the vertical passing game early.
If the Redskins can find their receivers downfield it should get the crowd
more involved and make the Packers hesitant to play eight men in the box.
Washington WLB LaVar Arrington slipped in practice on Monday and sprained
his knee. He is listed as doubtful for this game. While Arrington hasn't
played in the last four games, he had been expected to return before the
setback and he will be missed if he can't play. He is an outstanding pass
rusher and the Redskins move him around in an effort to keep opposing
offensive lines off-balance. His teammates will face more double teams and
they won't be as successful getting to Green Bay QB Brett Favre without
him in the lineup.
The signing of TE Fred Baxter and the release of Walter Rasby during
Washington's bye last week didn't make a big splash around the league but
it was a smart move. Although Baxter is on the downside of his career and
he offers little as a receiver, he is an intelligent blocker that shows
good power at the point of attack. Washington likes to pull their tight
ends around the play-side corner and use them as lead blockers at times
making Baxter a good fit. Expect him to make an immediate impact in short
yardage situations.
Redskins' defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is aggressive and he isn't
afraid to blitz corners off the edge or safeties up the middle. In fact,
DC Shawn Springs is tied for the NFC lead for sacks recorded by a
defensive back. As a result, the Packers' backs will play a big role in
pass protection. They must keep their heads up and attack their blocks so
that Favre has enough space to step into his throws.
Washington rookie FS Sean Taylor was arrested early Thursday morning and
head coach Joe Gibbs has said that it's unlikely he plays in this game. If
Taylor doesn't play, Andre Lott is expected to replace him. Taylor is raw
and Lott is inconsistent so expect the Packers to put pressure on the
Redskins' safeties regardless of who gets the start. Green Bay will run
some multiple receiver-sets and line a receiver up inside of WR Javon
Walker. The receiver lined up in the slot can slant across the middle
while Walker can run a fly-route downfield. If the safety flows inside
with the slot-receiver Walker should be able to get behind DC Fred Smoot.
With WR Donald Driver drawing plenty of attention to the opposite side of
the field, Favre should be able to find the slot receiver over the middle
when the safety gives Smoot help.
Taylor or Lott will need to take excellent pursuit angles in run support
as well. Packers RB Ahman Green possesses rare speed and he is almost
impossible to catch from behind. If Taylor or Lott doesn't take the
correct angle and he gets caught up in traffic, Green could break some
long runs.
Green Bay defensive coordinator Bob Slowik can take out a defensive
lineman rather than a linebacker when he goes to his Nickel package. He
still rushes four-to-five men because he will send one or both linebackers
up the middle. However, using a linebacker rather than a defensive lineman
gives Slowik more options. He can move the linebackers around and they
will crisscross at times. Washington's protection will have to adjust to
the three-man front and movement or QB Mark Brunell will take some big
hits.
The Packers have run a half-back pass in each of their last two games and
both plays resulted in a touchdown. In addition, Green threw one of the
passes while backup Tony Fisher threw the other so the Redskins must be
prepared for both backs throwing downfield. If Washington is too
aggressive filling against the run, Green Bay could make it three games in
a row.
The Redskins frequently run to the strength of the formation but they have
added a back-side toss sweep to help keep opposing defenses off balance.
Green Bay's linebackers cannot get caught up in motion or alignments
because Portis should be able to turn the corner when they get caught out
of position and he is dangerous in the open field.
Special Teams
Washington PK John Hall, who didn't play against Chicago two weeks ago, is
listed as day-to-day with a groin injury. Ola Kimrin would replace Hall if
he's unavailable. Kimrin connected on both of his field goal attempts
including the game-winner in the Bears' game but his inexperience is still
a concern.
Redskins RS Chad Morton has been hindered by injuries but he is always a
threat to go the distance. The Packers' cover teams must play with
discipline and make sure to wrap him up upon contact because he could
change the complexion of this game quickly.
Prediction: Packers 24, Redskins 21
