The largest spread on the WagerWeb.com NFL board this week is the Rams getting 13.5 points for Sunday’s game at Washington, which has won four games in a row.
Well, if you need additional reasons to bet on the RedskinsJason Taylor could start Sunday. That will be a boost to one of Washington’s main weaknesses, the pass rush. The Skins have no sacks in the past two games and only six all season. despite that near two-TD number, Pro Bowl defensive end
Taylor, who underwent a procedure Sept. 22 to relieve compartment syndrome in his left calf, practiced Thursday and Friday. Coach Jim Zorn was encouraged that Taylor “moved well” in limited reps and “looks like he’s up to speed,” saying that the 12-year veteran would participate against the Rams, although maybe not start. In addition, top cover corner cornerback Shawn Springs, who sat out last week because of a calf injury, will be active.
Zorn, meanwhile, isn’t concerned about the lack of sacks, citing the mobility of opposing quarterbacks and the discipline of the defensive linemen to not allow long scrambles.
“We’ve faced some very tough quarterbacks,” Zorn said. “You’re not going to sack Donovan McNabb much and you’re not going to sack Tony Romo much. A lot of times, we’re getting pressure but not finishing because the ball is already gone.” The competition has also been good. The Redskins’ five opponents are ranked first, fourth, fifth, third and ninth in total offense. St. Louis is ranked 30th.On offense, Redskins QB Jason Campbell is off to a great start, having yet to throw an interception through five games. And Clinton Portis might be the league MVP so far. He had his second consecutive 100-yard performance last week, that coming against Philadelphia’s top-ranked run defense. It could be a long day for St. Louis’ 31st-ranked defense.
This will be the first game for the Rams since firing coach Scott Linehan following their Week 4 loss to Buffalo. That was the only game in which St. Louis has been competitive this year, but the Rams blew a big lead. Trent Green started that game, but new coach Jim Haslett has reinstalled Marc Bulger as the starting QB.
St. Louis has scored the fewest points in the NFL, and Bulger was sacked 11 times in his first three games, and has thrown for only two touchdowns.
The only offensive bright spot has been RB Steven Jackson, who has 480 total yards from scrimmage — 74 rushes for 269 yards and 20 catches for 211 yards — in four games. But he’s averaging 3.6 yards per rushing attempt, which is well under his career average of 4.4 yards per rushing attempt coming into the 2008 season.
The Redskins have beaten the Rams three of the last four times but the teams haven’t played since 2006, when Jackson had 252 yards from scrimmage in a St. Louis win.
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