KEY MATCHUP

Redskins DE Andre Carter vs. Seahawks LT Walter Jones

Only three teams get to the quarterback with less efficiency than the Redskins, who have 15 sacks in 10 games. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache said it's not a big deal - but sooner or later, it's going to cost the Redskins.

"We have to start winning more one-on-one matchups," linebacker London Fletcher said.

The task won't be easy for Carter against veteran blocker Jones and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, a savvy player who knows when to get rid of the ball. Carter plays almost every snap and has 11 hurries but only two sacks and just one in the past six games. He'll have to win a one-on-one battle or two to put Hasselbeck on the ground.

Comparing Jones to Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels, coach Jim Zorn said: "They're both efficient. The thing that's similar in them is the pride they take in being the best at their position. When you watch them both, you ask yourself, 'How can such big guys move and change direction like they can?' The answer is, they've both worked at it."

The Redskins' secondary should be able to contain Seattle's receivers, allowing Carter some opportunities to get to Hasselbeck.

"If we can have good, tight coverage, it can make the quarterback hold onto the ball a little bit longer and then hopefully the pressure gets to him," Fletcher said.

THREE KEYS

THROW IT DOWNFIELD

Only once last week did a Jason Campbell pass travel farther than 13 yards downfield - and that was a 50-yard, fourth-quarter shot to Santana Moss that fell incomplete. In order to get the short passes to work, the Redskins have to attempt downfield throws so the opposing cornerbacks can't play press coverage.

WIN THE THIRD QUARTER

The Redskins have been so-so in the third quarter this year - they've been outscored 46-40 - but they must take advantage of Seattle's brutal play after halftime. Opponents have outscored the Seahawks 71-19 in the quarter, but the Redskins have only four third-quarter touchdowns this year.

COVER THE TIGHT END

Last week, Jason Witten got free for a 28-yard reception that set up a Dallas touchdown. The Redskins have done a decent job against tight ends; Seattle's leading receiver is rookie tight end John Carlson (30 catches). It will be up to fill-in starter H.B. Blades to account for him.

THE EDGE

WHEN THE Redskins HAVE THE BALL

Seattle is one of two teams in the NFL with at least one sack in every game. Too bad the Seahawks can't get to the quarterback more often because they can't cover anybody. Seattle ranks 31st in pass defense, allowing 265.2 yards a game, and has only five interceptions. The loss of defensive end Patrick Kerney (five sacks) is significant. Clinton Portis expects to start, but it would be wise for Zorn to start giving some work to Ladell Betts and Shaun Alexander. They combined for one carry against Dallas last week. The Redskins should move the ball through the air because Santana Moss should have success against Marcus Trufant and Josh Wilson.

Edge: Redskins

WHEN THE Seahawks HAVE THE BALL

If Hasselbeck were healthy and the Seahawks had a normal complement of receivers, this matchup would swing Seattle's way. But injuries have decimated the Seahawks and Hasselbeck is entering his second game in a return from a back injury. Seattle is 31st in yards and passing and tied for 19th in scoring. Receiver Deion Branch is his best weapon. The Redskins' defense ranks fourth in yards and seventh in points and gets Shawn Springs back, likely in a limited role. Hasselbeck will have to throw to give his team a chance because the Redskins have been stifling the run game, ranking fifth in the league.

Edge: Redskins

SPECIAL TEAMS

Big plays could happen in the kick return game for both teams. Seattle is fifth (with Josh Wilson) and the Redskins eighth (with Rock Cartwright). Cartwright's 58-yard return last week led to a field goal late in the first half. Seahawks punt returner Justin Forsett is averaging more than 10 yards a return. The Redskins' Ryan Plackemeier was with Seattle for two-plus seasons and has punted well lately. His replacement, Jon Ryan, has boosted Seattle to 15th in the league. Zorn has given no indication he'll use Moss on punt returns, leaving Antwaan Randle El to continue handling the job.

Edge: Seahawks