Detroit offense vs. Washington defense

	LIONS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	28
	Pass	8
	Tot. Yds.	19
	Scoring	15
	Int's allowed	14
	Sacks allowed	64
	REDSKINS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	27
	vs. Pass	25
	Total yds. allowed	27
	# of Ints.	24
	# of Sacks	40
	Turnover differential	+12

Question marks surround Detroit's quarterback situation but reserve QB Gus Frerotte will likely start in place of Charlie Batch, who re-injured his thumb in last week's loss at Minnesota. Frerotte looked a little rusty coming off the bench last Sunday but a week's worth of practice reps should have him ready for the 'Skins.

In their Week 13 meeting, Frerotte threw the ball extremely well (21-of-32, 280 yds., 1 TD) despite poor protection from his offensive line. The recent loss of LOT Ray Roberts will limit Frerotte's time in the pocket even further this week, putting an emphasis on more three- and five-step drop sequences that require great rhythm and timing.

Washington's pass rush, which improved steadily over the course of the season, recorded five sacks in the first meeting, with 3.5 from DEs Anthony Cook and Marco Coleman. That pair could have another big outing against Detroit reserve OTs Barrett Brooks and Mike Compton, who was moved from his natural center position to replace Roberts prior to last week.

Aside from a 66-yard strike to WR Germaine Crowell, Washington's secondary did an excellent job of taking away the deep ball and forcing Frerotte to be accurate underneath. Initially, the Lions need to push the ball down the field and take advantage of their playmakers on the perimeter (Crowell and Johnnie Morton) to be successful.

Once the down-field passing game has softened up coverage, Frerotte must find former Pro Bowler Herman Moore working the shallow crossing routes against Washington's nickel package. Moore caught four passes for just 47 yards in the first meeting but he should be in much better condition to sustain crisp routes this time around. As he has done all season, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will deploy plenty of zone coverage, which plays right into Moore's strength -- few players in the league that can find soft spots and seams in zones like Moore.

Despite their non-existent ground game, the Lions will have to at least attempt to run the ball in order to set up the play-action passing game. Offensive coordinator Sylvester Croom will reassume the play-calling duties on Saturday after being hospitalized on the eve of last week's game against the Vikings and he must incorporate more runs (15) than the Lions attempted in Week 13.

Washington's much-maligned run defense had one of its finest efforts of the season against Detroit, holding them to a paltry 2.1 yards per carry. The unproductive return of RB Ron Rivers last week proves that the Lions' ground woes run deeper than the man carrying the ball. Detroit's shuffled offensive line must play more physical than they have the past two weeks; it's apparent that this unit has been too assignment-conscious. Look for the Redskins to use numerous fronts and run blitzes with their linebackers to further complicate things for this group.

Detroit was gashed last Sunday by the Vikings for 137 yards on the ground but they will receive a huge boost this week by the return of Pro Bowl DT Luther Ellis. The Lions had one of the stingiest run defenses in the league all season but they appeared worn down late in the year, especially in their final two games against Denver and Minnesota.

The key to QB Brad Johnson's passing success will be protection. Washington's offensive line was affected by the Silverdome crowd in their previous matchup, giving up five sacks and accounting for a good proportion of the team's 14 penalties.

Detroit has gotten tremendous pressure off the edge all season from DEs Robert Porcher and Tracy Scroggins, although the key this Saturday will be the push they get up the middle against Washington's interior line. Against a pocket passer like Johnson, the Lions can't afford to let him have clear passing lanes and step into his throws.

If Johnson is pressured, he will have the benefit of using athletic TE Stephen Alexander in the short passing game to discourage the Lions from using their linebackers on the blitz. Alexander missed the Week 13 matchup and Washington completed just one pass to their tight ends. Working the hashes with the tight end will open up the outside for big-play receivers Albert Connell and Michael Westbrook, who scorched Detroit for 108 yards on just five catches. With Connell ailing, the pressure will be on Westbrook to exploit matchups on the perimeter.

Because they have struggled so badly in man coverage, defensive coordinator Larry Peccatiello will play extensive two-deep zone coverage to prevent the long ball. With deep help behind them, DCs Bryant Westbrook and Robert Bailey can't be afraid to press at the line of scrimmage. If they play off the receivers and provide a generous cushion, Washington will abuse them on short hitch routes, especially in third-down situations.

The Redskins converted 8-of-17 third down attempts earlier in the year against Detroit.