Detroit @ Washington preview
FedExField
Last Meeting ( Oct 31, 2010 ) Washington 25, Detroit 37
The Washington Redskins make their third attempt to get into the win column when they host the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Washington was unable to slow down the opposition's offense in its first two games, allowing 33 points in a season-opening home loss to the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles and 38 to the Packers in a setback at Green Bay last week. Robert Griffin III has yet to regain his form since suffering a torn ACL in last season's playoffs, getting off to slow starts and barely getting involved in the Redskins' ground game.
Detroit's rushing attack could be a concern Sunday as Reggie Bush is questionable with a left knee injury suffered in last week's road loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Bush was limited to two carries in the second half after taking a helmet to the knee in the second quarter and may watch Joique Bell fill in against Washington. The Lions look to avoid a 22nd consecutive road loss - including playoffs - to the Redskins.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Redskins -1. O/U: 49.
ABOUT THE LIONS (1-1): Detroit is 2-0 against Washington under coach Jim Schwartz, with both victories coming at home. Calvin Johnson had 101 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-25 triumph over the Redskins in their last meeting on Oct. 31, 2010. Bell also is Matthew Stafford's favorite target out of the backfield, as he is one of only three running backs in the NFL with at least 10 catches (10) and 100 receiving yards (108).
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (0-2): Griffin has run for 25 yards on nine carries through two games after gaining 815 yards on 120 rushes in his rookie season but agrees he needs to be more involved in the ground game. "It's not that I want to run more, I just feel like that's what we need. If that's what it takes for us to win games, then I'm willing to do that," he said. Facing a large deficit, the Redskins have been offensive juggernauts in the fourth quarter, outscoring Philadelphia and Green Bay by a combined 26-0 over the final 15 minutes.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Washington has not begun a season 0-3 since losing its first five games in 2001.
2. Detroit has not won a road game in the all-time series since defeating the Redskins in Boston on Oct. 13, 1935.
3. The Redskins have allowed a league-worst 511.5 yards per game.
PREDICTION: Redskins 27, Lions 24