The Washington Redskinsvs New Orleans Saints game will come to FedEx Field on Dec 6th, 2009. The question is, will either team be in the playoff hunt? For the Washington Redskins to make this a playoff implications game, they’ll have to be in the close running with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles. The NFC East is one tough division to call this far out ahead. Any one of these teams is capable of cruising into the NFL Playoffs.
For the Redskins to be in that numbers means Jim Zorn has to keep his team on an even keel. No huge letdowns. In 2008 Washington started at 6-2 and looked well on ther way. A 2-6 finish ground things to a halt. It can’t happen again so Zorn will be watching quarterback Jason Campbell very closely. Any sign of a droppoff like 2008 and either Todd Collins or even Colt Brennan will be pulling the trigger. Ditto the running game. Clinton Portis is a top notch running back but injuries slowed him late last season. Fewer touches early on might keep him in better shape but the falloff in talent makes that unlikely.
The New Orleans Saints too, will be facing a tough set of divisional opponents. The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons both posted double digit wins in 2008. The Panthers are playing a pat hand but the Falcons beefed up their offense with Tight End Tony Gonzales, another weapon for quarterback Matt Ryan. For the Saints, being in the playoff hunt means winning those close games at the end. The Saints defense just gave up too much last season, especially long passes. Changes have been made though, and hopes are soaring that this New Orleans Saints team is ready to push deep into the playoffs.
There are a lot of “ifs” surrounding this game. If the Redskins can contend and if the Saints can stop other teams, then Redskins vs Saints will be an important game with huge bearing on the NFC Playoff picture. Odd are one team will need this game to make the cut.
