Washington offense vs. Detroit defense

	REDSKINS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	4
	Pass	8
	Tot. Yds.	3
	Scoring	2
	Int's allowed	9
	Sacks allowed	14
	LIONS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	5
	vs. Pass	29
	Total yds. allowed	22
	# of Ints.	8
	# of Sacks	34
	Turnover differential	+5

The Redskins need to commit themselves to the run on Sunday if they expect to go into Detroit and steal a win. This is a team that appears to be coasting after two close victories against inferior opponents. RB Stephen Davis rushed for just 61 yards on 24 carries last week against a marginal Eagle run defense and he'll have to step it up a notch versus a Lions team that has found itself defensively since flopping against the Cardinals.

Coach Norv Turner chalked up the win over Philadelphia as a "character builder" but that evaluation is off base. Simply, the 'Skins are a team going through the motions. Washington's offensive line needs to play stronger at the point of attack and stop allowing so much penetration on first down. With Tracey Scroggins back in the lineup, the Lions are staying fresh along the defensive line and defensive coordinator Larry Peccatiello has disguised the run-blitz packages very well.

Washington has a difficult time throwing the ball vertically when Davis doesn't produce on the ground. The play-action passing game is essential to Turner's scheme and Davis' struggles translated into a long completion of just 20 yards against the Eagles.

After drawing four pass interference calls two weeks ago, the Bears did not test the Lions deep coverage until late in the second half. Look for QB Brad Johnson to take some shots early to WR's Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell against a secondary that should get back starters DC Bryant Westbrook and FS Mark Carrier. Detroit reserves Robert Bailey and Corwin Brown played extremely well on Thanksgiving Day, holding an explosive Bears offense to 204 yards through the air.

Detroit needs strong play from the inside trio of OG's Jeff Hartings and Tony Semple and OC Mike Compton if the Lions are to have any success on the ground this week. Washington MLB Derek Smith is a legitimate player inside and Compton will have a hard time reaching him on combination blocks if he continues reading keys like he has the past few weeks.

QB Charlie Batch returns this week for Detroit after a three-week layoff and the Lions are confident that his injured thumb has healed enough for him to make all the throws. Batch will enjoy the luxury of increased three-receiver sets this week now that WR Herman Moore, who played about 30 snaps against Chicago, is back in the mix.

WR's Johnnie Morton and Germaine Crowell played so well in Moore's absence that they will remain the starters but Moore should see significant time against a susceptible Redskins zone defense. Detroit needs big games from Moore and TE David Sloan because they are the two players that are most comfortable finding seams in zones.

It might be asking too much but the Redskins desperately need to generate a consistent pass rush against Batch. Washington sacked Philly rookie Donovan McNabb just twice last week and they let him break contain for 71 yards rushing on eight carries. While he doesn't quite have the speed of McNabb, Batch is capable of hurting the Redskins with his feet if they aren't conscious of their gaps.