THE EDGE
Redskins-Broncos preview: The edge
Date published: 11/15/2009
By Rich Campbell
>> REDSKINS RUN OFFENSE VS. BRONCOS DEFENSE
Ladell Betts replaces the injured Clinton Portis, making his first start since 2006. Betts showed a more explosive burst than Portis in running for 70 yards on 15 carries a week ago. He's battling a sprained left ankle, though, and barely practiced this week. Denver ranks eighth against the run, with ILBs D.J. Williams and Andra Davis leading coordinator Mike Nolan's 3-4 scheme.
Edge: Broncos
>> REDSKINS PASS OFFENSE VS. BRONCOS DEFENSE
The Redskins' horrid offensive line prevents them from accomplishing much through the air. The musical chairs continue: Levi Jones makes his first start at left tackle, Chad Rinehart is back at right guard and Stephon Heyer switches back to right tackle--inauspicious changes, for sure. DE Elvis Dumervil is the NFL co-leader in sacks with 10.5. Former Redskin Champ Bailey is an elite cornerback.
Edge: Broncos
>> BRONCOS RUN OFFENSE VS. REDSKINS DEFENSE
Rookie first-rounder Knowshon Moreno leads a rushing attack that ranks 18th in the NFL with 111 yards per game. Denver has played some of the NFL's best run defenses, though, during a brutal streak of top opponents. The Redskins don't fall into that category. They rank 25th against the run because they take poor angles and haven't tackled well.
Edge: Broncos
>> BRONCOS PASS OFFENSE VS. REDSKINS DEFENSE
The Broncos have two game-breaking receivers in Brandon Marshall and former Virginia Tech standout Eddie Royal. QB Kyle Orton has minimized mistakes and managed the game well so far. Denver has been criticized for not throwing deep often enough, but opponents are playing them conservatively and taking the deep ball away. The Redskins have the NFL's top-ranked pass defense, but they're still waiting for CB Carlos Rogers and FS LaRon Landry to make a positive impact.
Edge: Redskins
FINAL SCORE: BRONCOS 23, REDSKINS 9
--Rich Campbell
Date published: 11/15/2009
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