Interview with the Enemy: Alex Smith ready to traumatize the Saints yet again

Another week of football, and another week of our Interview with the Enemy series. This week, our friend, Ken Meringolo of Hogs Haven, answers 5 quick questions about our week five matchup against Alex Smith and the Washington Redskins.

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After choosing not to re-sign Kirk Cousins this offseason, what has been your impression of Alex Smith at the helm? Any regrets?

Zero regrets! Jay Gruden calls Alex the smartest quarterback he has ever coached, and the two seem more suited for each other than Jay and Kirk did. Alex has looked sharp, and has already made a few plays that Kirk never did—most importantly, the quarterback sneak! Smith is an upgrade for the Redskins but that doesn’t necessarily mean he is that much better than Kirk. His experience is being put to use by Gruden and Kirk can’t compete with that aspect of it.

The Redskins team from the Week 2 loss against the Colts and the Week 3 win over the Packers looked like two completely different teams. Who are the real Redskins?

Well, I think the Redskins defense is everything you have seen in both of those games. Washington’s defensive line is legit, and is helping make the other levels of the defense look great. On offense, they are a solid running team that looks to set up some passes and counts on the tight end a lot (hopefully not too much). This team is led by the defense though.

If you were the Saints, how would you game plan to attack the Washington Redskins defense?

Indy did well by running crossing routes all game. Green Bay had some missed chances on those same routes, so I would expect to see Drew Brees throwing a lot of them on Monday Night Football.

Who is one Redskins player that Saints fans might not be familiar with that you expect to make an impact in this game?

Quinton Dunbar, who is entering week 5 as one of the highest rated cornerbacks in the league, is probably someone that Saints fans don’t know much about. He is a converted wide receiver and he is a very gifted cover corner. He has long arms and defends a lot of passes, and he can also make tackles on the outside. He might have to play big for this defense to stand up to Drew Brees.

What’s your prediction for the game? Final score?

The Redskins have had success against New Orleans, and came close to getting a win there on the road last year. I think that Adrian Peterson will find some lanes and help keep Drew Brees on the sideline. I have confidence that this Redskins defense can contain Brees.

Redskins 31, Saints 24.

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A big thanks to Ken for taking the time to answer our questions. Make sure you check out his work and the rest of the good folks at Hogs Haven for tons of Redskins content. You can follow Ken on Twitter @ItsRainingKen, Hogs Haven @HogsHaven, and of course you can always follow me @dunnellz.