Week 7: Bears vs. Redskins 5 Questions with Riggo’s Rag

This weeks edition of 5 Questions, we asked Maurice Barksdale from Riggo’s Rag about the matchup between the Bears and Redskins.

Oct 13, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kyle Wilber (51) and defensive end George Selvie (99) sack Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) in the fourth quarter at AT

In the past, the Bears have had problems defending mobile quarterbacks. With the Bears interior of their defensive line in shambles, how much do you see RGIII using his legs against the Bears?

I definitely see RGIII using his legs against the Bears. He rushed for a season high 77 yards against the Cowboys, and it appears his knee isn’t bothering him as much as it was before the bye week. I look for runs off of the read-option as well as scrambles.

Do you see Coach Shanahan as being on the hot seat after a 1-4 start this season?

Sep 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan (left) argues a fumble call with referee Ed Hochuli (85) against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Lions won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Shanahan’s seat is getting warm, but I wouldn’t say it’s hot just yet. The Redskins record was 3-6 last season after nine games, and then they went on a seven game winning streak to close out the season. So another strong finish is what Mike Shanahan will work towards, and what Redskins fans will hope for, before Shanahan’s seat gets too hot.

What is the Redskins most favorable matchup against the Bears?

The Redskins offensive line vs. the Bears defensive line. Even with the injuries, the Bears have still been good against the run, but the Redskins will look to attack the weakness of the interior line with running back Alfred Morris and RGIII too.

What is the Redskins most unfavorable matchup against the Bears?

Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) returns a kick during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins most unfavorable matchup will be their kick return coverage vs. Devin Hester. The Redskins gave up an 86 yard punt return for a touchdown and a 90 yard kick return against the Cowboys in week 6. So I’m sure Hester will be looking to break one against them.

What is your prediction for the game, including a final score?

The Bears have been the better of the two teams so far this season. They look much better on offense, and Jay Cutler is playing the best he has in years. But the one thing about the Washington Redskins is that they’ve been behind the curve ball all season, mainly because Robert Griffin III has been rusty and still getting over his knee injury. However, the more rust he shakes off, the better the Redskins will become.

Also, the Redskins defense has actually played pretty well the past few games, and the Bears offense and tempo is one that I think the Redskins 3-4 should match up well against. It’s a home game and I think RGIII gets a little bit better again this week. The Redskins win a close one, probably on a last second field goal. 24-23 Redskins.

For our pre-season preview, check out our earlier edition of 5 Questions with Riggo’s Rag.

I want to thank Maurice Barksdale from Riggo’s Rag for taking the time out to answer this weeks 5 Questions. Make sure you go check out Riggo’s Rag for all your Washington Redskins news and updates.