Game 4: Redskins (1-2) vs. Jaguars (2-1)

vs.

After two weeks in Texas, the Redskins finally return to FedEx field for a home game. The crowd will be friendly, but the opponent will certainly not. Make no mistake: if the Redskins don't bring their "A" game they will walk off the field with a loss.

What is this mysterious "A" game? We haven't seen it all season long. It includes:

• Downfield passing. Despite attempting almost 30 passes per game, the Redskins offense has only amassed a middling 576 passing yards. This is a disappointment for a veteran like Mark Brunell and the supposedly talented receiving corps.
  
• Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts pounding the ball for over 100 yards on the day. The passing attack won't be open unless and until the running game sets it up.
• The defense containing the suddenly resurgent Fraud Taylor and Byron Leftwich. If the line and linebackers can get good penetration they can force Leftwich to make throws he doesn't want to make. Shawn Springs is not expected to play, so the rest of the secondary will have to step up.
  

All of these things are easier said than done. The Jaguars are one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. There is no team they can't beat, which they proved by embarrassing the overrated Steelers in a MNF shutout in Week 2. The Jags will be looking to reestablish themselves in the win column after a heartbreaking loss to the Colts last week. Jacksonville's run defense has been smothering so far, allowing only 59 yards per game on the ground. In fact, the Jags' defense is currently third best in the league, keeping company with perennial stalwarts Baltimore and Chicago.

The Redskins must open up the downfield passing attack to have any hope of winning this game. The Jags' run defense is simply too good to expect Portis and Betts to carry them into the end zone. Orange you glad you're not Joe Gibbs, Al Saunders and Gregg Williams right now?

Oh yeah. This is a gameday open thread. I leave it to you, faithful readers, to keep it real in the thread, as Ben and I will be tailgating our brains out at RFK for Frank Robinson's final game in a Nationals uniform.