Though three consecutive losing seasons doesn't leave much room for optimism, the Washington Redskins have plenty to be excited about with the Robert Griffin III era about to get underway.
In one of the more enticing Week 1 matchups, New Orleans and Washington square off Sunday at the Superdome.
Payton and linebacker Jonathan Vilma were banned for the season and assistant head coach Joe Vitt (six games), general manager Mickey Loomis (eight games) and defensive end Will Smith (four games) received suspensions for their roles in New Orleans' bounty system.
However, the suspensions of Vilma and Smith were lifted Friday by a three-member appeals panel and the league reinstated those players.
Saints interim head coach Aaron Kromer said Smith, who participated in training camp and the preseason, would be ready to play Sunday.
Vilma, though, has been away from the team before training camp started and has been trying to work his way back from left knee surgery.
If last year's effort is any indication, Brees certainly seems capable of leading his team back to the Super Bowl. The six-time Pro Bowler threw a career-high 46 touchdowns and set NFL single-season records with 5,476 passing yards and a 71.2 completion percentage.
For the first time in a long while, Redskins faithful are also expecting big things from their quarterback. After losing 10 of its final 12 games to finish 5-11 last season, Washington traded the No. 6 pick in the draft, two future first-round picks and a second-rounder to St. Louis for a chance to move up and take Griffin second overall.
While Griffin appeared to develop a good rapport with Garcon during the preseason, who he'll be handing off to is anyone's guess. Coach Mike Shanahan - entering his third season in Washington - has yet to reveal his starting running back, though Evan Royster currently sits atop the depth chart.
Despite the Redskins' recent woes, Griffin appears up to the task of trying to lead his team back to respectability. Since making its most recent playoff appearance in 2007, Washington has gone 23-41 over the last four seasons.
Washington has gone 15-8 against New Orleans, winning eight of 11 on the road. The Saints took the last matchup 33-30 in overtime Dec. 6, 2009, in the nation's capital.
Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo hopes to play Sunday after aggravating his surgically repaired pectoral muscle during a preseason game Aug. 18.
Washington, though, will be without Tanard Jackson (suspended indefinitely) and fellow safety Brandon Meriweather, who's expected to miss at least two weeks with a sprained MCL and PCL.
Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on field-turf.
Saints are 12-1 ATS in their last 13 home games.
Saints are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Saints are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 vs. NFC.
Saints are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games on fieldturf.
Saints are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games in September.
Saints are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 1.
Redskins without Jackson and no running back? Seriously, it's week one...anyone see this one unfolding quickly? Look for Brees to air it out early and often. Then look for the Saints big D to take advantage of the week backfield. This one could get ugly for the Redskins. Take the Saints and holla "Who Dat" all day long. I see this game ending 42-14.
NO SAINTS -7-115
Follow me on Twitter @LSUSports1
No comments:
Post a Comment