Broncos-Redskins Preview

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• Countdown Daily Recap: Redskins-Broncos

SCOUTING REPORT

Broncos-Redskins: 10 observations After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Broncos-Redskins matchup. 1. Beware of Albert Haynesworth: Haynesworth is playing very well and can be unblockable at times. He has a tremendous size and strength advantage over the interior of the Broncos' offensive line and is capable of disrupting everything that Denver is looking to do on offense. He's that good. Because of the Redskins' woes, many tend to forget just how disruptive Haynesworth can be.

· Full Scouting Report

Matchup
	W-L	PF	PA	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF
DEN	6-3	167	151	3-1	3-2	2-0	5-2
WAS	3-6	140	171	3-2	0-4	0-2	2-5
· Complete Standings

Individual Leaders

Denver Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT Orton 63.1 2031 11 4 Simms 23.1 13 0 1

Washington Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT Campbe... 66.1 1870 10 8 Collin... 52.6 87 0 0

Denver Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD Moreno 132 520 3.9 2 Buckha... 66 364 5.5 1

Washington Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD Portis 124 494 4.0 1 Betts 52 205 3.9 2

Denver Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Marsha... 49 602 12.3 6 Gaffne... 23 291 12.7 0

Washington Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Moss 35 508 14.5 2 Cooley 29 332 11.4 2

Full Player Stats: Denver | Washington

TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS
TEAM OFFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Total Yards	DEN	329.0
	WAS	308.0
Yards Passing	DEN	216.7
	WAS	200.9
Yards Rushing	DEN	112.1
	WAS	107.1
TEAM DEFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Yards Allowed	DEN	292.2
	WAS	288.3
Pass Yds Allowed	DEN	186.7
	WAS	162.7
Rush Yds Allowed	DEN	105.6
	WAS	125.7

HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUPS (SINCE 2001)
Washington leads 2-1
Oct 9, 2005	DEN 21, @WAS 19
Nov 18, 2001	DEN 10, @WAS 17

The Denver Broncos were the NFL's most pleasant surprise through the first two months of the season, but back-to-back blowout losses suddenly have them looking quite vulnerable.

A game against the slumping Washington Redskins might be what they need to bounce back.

The Broncos hope Kyle Orton and their offense can get back in gear and their once-formidable defense can return to form Sunday when they visit a Redskins team looking to avoid losing five consecutive games for the first time in eight years.

Denver (6-2) opened with six straight victories under first-year coach Josh McDaniels, but very little has gone right since. The Broncos averaged 22.2 points and allowed an average of 11.0 during the winning streak, but have been outscored 58-17 in losses to Baltimore and Pittsburgh with the offense reaching the end zone just once.

"Well, we've got to score points," Orton said after Monday's 28-10 loss to the Steelers. "So, we're moving on from the last couple of weeks. We've got plenty of areas to improve on."

Orton threw nine touchdowns and one interception in the six victories but is beginning to look quite ordinary. After passing for a season-low 152 yards in a 30-7 loss to the Ravens on Nov. 1, Orton threw three interceptions Monday.

"They are two good defenses," Orton, who shaved his trademark beard this week in hopes of changing the team's luck, said of Baltimore and Pittsburgh. "When you play those guys, the margin for error is very small ... As a quarterback, I put it on myself. It is my offense, and I will get it back on track."

Denver's ground game has been virtually nonexistent the past two weeks with veteran running back Correll Buckhalter and rookie Knowshon Moreno combining for 82 yards on 32 carries. The Broncos averaged 132.7 rushing yards during the winning streak.

The Broncos appear to have a good chance to re-establish their ground game against a Washington team that allowed a season-high 181 rushing yards last week. The Redskins defense has given up a new season high in points two weeks running, following a 27-17 loss to Philadelphia with a 31-17 defeat at Atlanta last Sunday.

Still, an anemic offense remains the biggest concern for Washington (2-6).

The Redskins, who haven't dropped five straight games since opening the 2001 season 0-5, have yet to exceed 17 points in a game as quarterback Jason Campbell continues to take a beating behind a makeshift line. He has been sacked 25 times -- third-most in the NFL -- and will face a Denver defense that ranks third in the league with 26 sacks.

Making matters worse, Washington will be without starting running back Clinton Portis, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter against the Falcons.

Ladell Betts, who rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries last week despite nursing a sprained ankle, likely will get his first start since the 2006 season finale.

Portis, who ranks eighth in the NFC with 494 rushing yards, was traded to the Redskins from Denver for Champ Bailey and a second-round draft pick prior to the 2004 season. This will be the first time Bailey, an eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback, has faced his former club.

It's also the first meeting between the teams since the Broncos won 21-19 at home Oct. 9, 2005. Portis ran for 103 yards in a losing effort for Washington, while Bailey missed the game due to a hamstring injury.

Current Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall was involved in a bizarre episode last week.

After Washington safety LaRon Landry's late hit on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, Hall jumped into the middle of things, surrounded by a horde of Atlanta players and coach Mike Smith. Hall said he would file a complaint with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, accusing the Falcons of losing their cool.

The incident is the latest in an incredible run of Redskins news that has made the team's actual on-field performance almost an afterthought. In the last month, owner Dan Snyder and team management have stripped Zorn of play-calling duties, issued an apology of sorts for the team's play and had an assistant coach lash out at Hall of Fame running back John Riggins for claiming Snyder is someone whose "heart is dark."

Amidst all the turmoil, Washington must try to stay motivated through the final eight weeks.

"It's your job. You've got to have pride," Redskins running back Rock Cartwright said.

Money at center of fortunes for Boys, Skins

Frugal Cowboys strike it rich in NFC East; Redskins' big pockets have holes.

This week's installment is Free, scout's honor

Cowboys offensive lineman has a lot to prove; Mavs' rookie proving his worth early on

Redskins RB Portis visits concussion specialists

Redskins running back Clinton Portis was at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on Friday to have his concussion evaluated.

Secret is out: Defenses blanketing Boys' Austin

Miles Austin isn't doing anything wrong. It's the defenses: They've noticed.

League won't punish Marshall

Brandon Marshall Issues remain for Brandon Marshall, but he no longer has to worry about a possible NFL suspension.

Broncos' Marshall has quick trip

As the Broncos restart their passing camp today at their Dove Valley headquarters, receiver Brandon Marshall will be in Orlando, Fla., where he will continue to rehabilitate after hip surgery.

Broncos' Marshall denies ever abusing ex-girlfriend

Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall defended himself Sunday on ESPN's "Outside the Lines," which detailed seven reported incidents of domestic violence.

Scheffler on board with Broncos' plan

A year after hobbling around Dove Valley with a foot injury, tight end Tony Scheffler is part of the Broncos' passing minicamp this season.

No Bronco escaped new coach's scrutiny

The old regime brought them in for a reason. They fit in specific offensive or defensive schemes, or had attributes the organization craved.

Thomas's Return 'On Schedule'

Randy Thomas is sitting out OTA practices this month after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery recently, according to head coach Jim Zorn.

Redskins Take First Look at Line After Jansen

"I feel like I have the ability to be a starter," said Stephon Heyer, center, shown here taking on Scott Burley in drills during yesterday's workout as offensive line coach Joe Bugel looks on.

Kelly Full-Go At Practice

Malcolm Kelly pulled in a pass on a slant pattern, adjusting his body mid-route because the throw was slightly behind him.

Back In Action

The Redskins resumed OTAs on Monday, with more than 75 veterans and rookies returning to the practice fields at Redskins Park.

Heyer Aims To Be Worthy Heir

Late yesterday morning, Stephon Heyer performed the duties offensive linemen perform at this time of year.