Patriots-Redskins Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) – The CBSBoston sports team makes their predictions for the New England Patriots clash with the Washington Redskins.
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The Patriots biggest thing is dealing with the Redskins blitz. If they do that, and I think they will, they'll do a good job.
The Redskins don't have anyone that can play the position of quarterback; Zo would be able to complete 13 of 30 for the Redskins instead of that pig Rex Grossman.
I'm keeping it short and sweet this week. 31-17 Patriots win.
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
The point differential is what matters in this game, because I think the Patriots are obviously going to win, but it's not going to be 52-7 like it was in 2007.
It's all on how New England handles pressure up front. The Redskins love to do multiple looks, they like to loop Brian Orakpo all the way around so they can get pressure on the edge. If Marcus Cannon is in the mix at right tackle, and if they rotate Solder like they do sometimes, the Pats will prohibit those guys from getting in a rhythm. Let's not forget Nick McDonald is the center; technically he's your fourth center.
Watch: Gresh & Zo Whiteboard
So this whole game (on the road!) will be based on communication and keeping the quarterback upright. If they're able to do that, Tom Brady willl be able to throw away from DeAngelo Hall and work the tight ends. I think the tight ends, Gronkowski and Hernandez, are huge again in this game.
Keep Brady upright and the Patriots should win by 24.
Walt Perkins, WBZ NewsRadio 1030
I am on vacation, so I'll make this brief.
Patriots 31, Redskins, 21
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
The Patriots visit the Redskins Sunday down in DC and it's another game that is a mismatch on paper. The Pats are 9-3 and have won 4 straight while the Redskins are just 4-8.
Tom Brady will face a team that has a pretty good outside pass rush in the form of Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo, who have 12.5 sacks combined. That may force Tom Brady to move around in the pocket. However, Brady should continue to throw at his elite level so I see the Pats offense putting up points.
Stats: Pats-Skins Head to Head Analysis
On defense, the Patriots simply let up last week against the Colts. Lesson learned. Rex Grossman is simply not a very consistent quarterback. Their should be turnover opportunities. The Pats run defense is pretty good so stopping Roy Helu (back to back 100-plus yard rushing games) is the key. If they do that they'll be in good shape.
I just see the Pats as a much better team.
Patriots 38-17
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
Hard for me to see the Patriots losing any of these games but this one could be a trap game. Belichick for some reason always has trouble with a Mike Shanahan coached team. I get the feeling that may be the case this weekend.
Maybe the Redskins will expose the Patriots secondary and Rex Grossman will have a game of his career. They may keep the Pats off balanced with their running attack and hit Jabar Gaffney in the seams. Jabar would love to have a great game against his old team.
Read: Pats-Redskins Matchups
Defensively, maybe the Skins will get after Tom Brady. DeAngelo Hall can lock down a side of the field and Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan are two of the game's top pass rushers. They may be able to get in Brady's face enough and throw him off. All of that could happen.
But it won't. The Pats win, and they play 60 minutes as they try to have a good game before they head to Denver and face the Tebow's.
Tune in to the Patriots-Redskins game Sunday on WBZ-TV and 98.5 The Sports Hub at 4:15pm. Pregame coverage begins on WBZ-TV with Patriots Gameday at 11:30am and at 1pm on The Hub. Stay tuned after the game for all the reaction and analysis on 98.5, and over on MYTV38 with Patriots Fifth Quarter.
