W2W4 New England Patriots vs Washington Redskins

When the Patriots Pass the Ball:

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The New England passing attack has shredded top defenses such as the Jets, Bills, Cowboys, and Steelers (even the Dolphins had been playing well before running into the Patriots). Whether strong or weak, the Patriots have feasted on each and every one with a combination of Tom Brady’s laser-like accuracy and quick release and a plethora of weapons including Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and Dion Lewis.

Must-read: Keys to the game vs. Redskins

The Redskins are trying to get their cornerbacks healthy at the same time for the first time this season with DeAngelo Hall, Bashaud Breeland, and Chris Culliver all questionable coming into the Sunday afternoon matchup. The Redskins have patched the secondary together and performed well despite the injuries and lack of pass rush (as a team they have just 13 sacks).

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Safeties Trent Robinson and Dashon Goldson are their top two performers, but neither is capable of handling Gronkowski in coverage. That goes for linebackers Keenan Robinson and Perry Riley. They could have serious issues trying to slow the titanic tight end from New England. Depending on who can go at cornerback, the Redskins may be turning to Boston College alum and longtime special teams player Will Blackmon.

The Patriots have so many weapons in the passing game they are hard to slow down, let alone stop. The only way to do so has been to bring a pass rush against the banged up offensive line, but even the Jets with the best defensive line in football could not disrupt Brady. The Redskins have Ryan Kerrigan and Chris Baker as their only two legitimate pass rushers and neither is even close to elite pass rushers. Kerrigan has a broken hand he has been playing through and is less than 100%.

ADVANTAGE: PATRIOTS

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