FIRST DOWN

Ball Control

The Patriots have perhaps the NFL's best passing attack, so it will be important for the Redskins to win time of possession and keep New England's offense off the field. Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs's blueprint for winning has been to run the ball and control the clock, and more of both is needed today. That means a heavy dose of Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, with Mike Sellers in some short-yardage situations.

SECOND DOWN

Rough Up Randy

Wide receiver Randy Moss is in the midst of a career resurgence since joining the Patriots in the offseason. Moss has caught passes in double- and triple-coverage this season, so the Redskins' best defense is to try to bump him off of his routes at the line of scrimmage and be physical with him whenever possible. He's most likely going to catch the ball when he gets downfield, so make it difficult for him to get there in the first place.

THIRD DOWN

Pressure Brady

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has thrown 27 touchdown passes and two interceptions thanks to plenty of time in the pocket. Brady has been sacked seven times through seven games, and the only team to sack him multiple times was the Cowboys two weeks ago. If the three-time Super Bowl champion gets comfortable in the pocket, he'll exploit the Redskins' secondary with the intermediate and deep ball.

FOURTH DOWN

Crowd Control

The fans at Gillette Stadium are going to be charged up to see their team at home for the first time in three weeks. The Patriots played their past two games on the road. The Redskins would be well suited to score early and try to limit New England's home-field advantage as much as possible. Washington has enough to contend with in the Patriots' offense and defense, much less having to worry about noise.