Keys to Tonight's Game

Greensboro, NC -- Tonight's Monday Night Football matchup features two storied franchises squaring off on the eve of a critical election. To indicate just how far on the tip of the cusp we are to the election, Chris "Boomer" Berman will be interviewing both John McCain and Barack Obama at halftime; fitting since tonight's game is in Washington. The Redskins will play host to the Steelers tonight at 8:30 p.m. Let's look at the Skins' keys to the game.



On Defense

• Pressure Roethesberger. Just like fellow NFC East foes, the Giants and Eagles did in their games against the Steelers -- break through the weak offensive line. That means you Andre Carter!
• Prevent deep balls to WR's Hines Ward and Nate Washington. You cannot give up the big play and take the crowd out of the game.
• Contain whoever is playing running back. Parker and Mendenhall are banged up; let's capitalize on that.

On Offense

• Campbell needs to play like the 2008 Campbell. The Steelers have the number 1 ranked defense. Limit turnovers is a premium.
• Get Portis going. Whenever Portis runs wild, the Skins win. Of course, that is very difficult against the Steelers D.
• Have a trick play up the sleeve. I say let ex-Steeler Antwaan Randle El throw a flee flicker to Moss to throw the Steelers off.

I picked the Redskins to win this game 27-17 because they've played very well against good teams this year. They're also at home, which, excluding the Rams' clunker, has bode well for them. The NFL like any sport is a numbers' game. The Steelers, already 0-2 against the NFC East this year, surely wouldn't go 2-2 or 1-3 against a division in a season? I think that's the only factoid working against the Skins tonight. As the season goes on, the Redskins continue to get better. Let's hope another step is taken tonight. Hail to the Skins!