Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache brings an aggressive style of play to the table and his run-stopping unit currently ranks ninth in the NFL, allowing just 85.4 rushing yards per game. The Redskins have allowed just one 100-yard rusher this season, and that was Giants running back Brandon Jacobs in the opening game. Jacobs had 116 yards that day, and the defense has made the proper adjustments since. Philadelphia's elusive running back Brian Westbrook was limited to 33 yards, a touchdown and two broken ribs against the Redskins last Sunday. Middle linebacker and leading tackler London Fletcher (40 tackles) finished with four stops and a pass defensed against the Eagles and is fifth in the NFL in tackles. Defensive end Andre Carter (17 tackles, sack) led the way with six tackles last week and is searching for his fourth straight game against the Rams with at least a half-sack. The Redskins played without linebacker Marcus Washington (13 tackles) on Sunday due to a hamstring injury, and he was replaced in the starting lineup by youngster H.B. Blades (15 tackles), who may get another start this week. First-year Redskin and veteran defensive end Jason Taylor (7 tackles, sack) missed the game with a calf injury suffered in Week 3 versus Arizona and did not practice early in the week. Demetric Evans (6 tackles) replaced Taylor in the lineup versus Philadelphia. Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (10 tackles, sack) sustained a shoulder injury in last week's win, but was able to return to action.

WHEN THE REDSKINS HAVE THE BALL

The Rams are allowing 245.8 passing yards a game, while opposing teams own a 114.3 passer rating against them. Haslett, who served as defensive coordinator before being named head coach, has seen his unit allow eight touchdown passes and an average of 14.3 yards per pass play so far. St. Louis will have trouble defending Moss and Cooley, with cornerback Tye Hill (20 tackles) out for some time with a knee injury. Hill went down against the Bills. Haslett has reportedly noted that he is interested in re-signing cornerback Fakhir Brown (8 tackles), who was released by Linehan in late September. Jason Craft (5 tackles) has been working with the first-team defense as Hill's replacement. Defensive end Leonard Little (4 tackles, 2 sacks) returned to action after leaving a Week 1 loss to Philadelphia with a hamstring injury and posted a pair of sacks in the Buffalo game. Rookie end Chris Long (16 tackles, 2 sacks) had three stops, including a sack, against the Bills. Little and Long will work against Washington's veteran tackle duo of Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen.

Another big key to Washington's success this season has been the play of standout running back Clinton Portis. Portis (514 rushing yards, 4 TDs) is second in the NFL in rushing and has hit the century mark in each of his last two games, including a season-high 145 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries against the Eagles. He had a lot of success this past weekend running on the left side of the line which is anchored by the All-Pro Samuels. Portis' teams are 30-9 when he rushes for 100 or more yards during his career. Ladell Betts (124 rushing yards) will also see action against a St. Louis defense rated 28th against the run. In other news on the Washington offensive line, Stephon Heyer was sidelined for Sundays game at Philadelphia and was replaced by veteran Jansen at right tackle for the second straight week. Guards Pete Kendall and Randy Thomas are dealing with sore knees, but both should be ready for Sunday. The Redskins are fifth in the NFL in rushing (146.6 ypg).

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