The test cometh

The Giants game is in the rear-view mirror, and we've come to the trap game.

What's a trap game?

The Redskins are expected to destroy the Rams. Not to just win - that would be too easy - but to actually rout them. The Redskins are such locks to win that, among media members who predict game results, the Redskins were picked to win by each and every person.

That's a tough situation to be in. Fans expect 300 passing yards from Jason Campbell, and 100 rushing yards by Clinton Portis. Oh, and for the defense to harrass Rams QB Marc Bulger and blow up the Rams running game.

This is the same situation that the Redskins went into against the Rams last year, and the Rams came away with the underdog win, a win which started the Redskins' slide out of playoff contention.

What do the Redskins have to do to beat the trap? And should Jim Zorn be worrying about his job if the Redskins lose?

Jason Campbell must make good decisions.
Contrary to popular belief, Campbell doesn't have to throw for 300-plus yards against St. Louis and he doesn't have to throw for three-plus touchdowns. He does, however, have to play with confidence and not make stupid mistakes. The problem is, Campbell has rarely looked calm and confident in his time with the Redskins.

The offensive line must do its job.
The OL has to keep Jason Campbell upright as well as open up running lanes for Portis and Ladell Betts. The line did a decent job against the Giants, who have one of the best defensive lines in the game. Against the Rams, the Redskins should have a chance to establish an identity. The Redskins are always seem to be more confident - and perform better - when they get the running game going.

Portis must be consistent.
Portis got off to a strong start last week, carrying the ball 34 yards on the Redskins first play of the game. After that, though Portis had 15 carries for 28 yards, which ain't good at all. In years past, the Redskins have gone as Portis has gone. If he had a good game, the Redskins had a good game. That is to say that the Redskins QBs haven't led the offense, Portis has. I don't think it has to be that way, but that's the way it has been. Portis doesn't have to be crazy good, but Campbell has played better when Portis is doing well.

The defense must assert itself - pressure pressure pressure
Albert Haynesworth can dominate. The Giants did a good job of limiting him, but Rams don't have the Giants talent on the line. Haynesworth needs to control the middle of the defense, and the Redskins need to attack Bulger, pressure him into mistakes, and take advantage of the mistakes.

What the Redskins need to be wary of is underestimating the Rams and allowing Bulger and running back Steven Jackson go wild. Jackson has the potential to control the game. That would be a real surprise, with the Redskins' additions on the defensive line.

Really, though, it comes down to Campbell. I think if the Redskins lose this game against the Rams, there will be a significant amount of pressure on Danny Snyder to dump Zorn and to not re-sign Campbell.

Quick hits

• Campbell needs to show that he has learned in his years in Washington. If not, there's nothing to save him.
• Portis has to show that he's not over-the-hill. He didn't have a great game against the Giants, but the Rams' defense shouldn't be close to the Giants' D.
• Who's going to make an impact at receiver for the Redskins? Randle El was the leader last week in the slot. Will any of the second-year players step up? Will Moss have an impact? He was shut down against New York.
  
• Rookie Orakpo had a so-so game against New York. He should have a better game against St. Louis. The Redskins should use him as an attacking linebacker. He can rush the passer much better than he can drop into coverage.
  
• Maybe the Redskins will have a punt return against St. Louis. They had just one against the Giants - for zero yards.