Redskins at Steelers -- Week 8

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pa. (grass, outdoors)

When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Spread: Steelers by 4.5

Records: Redskins (Overall: 3-4; NFC East: 0-1); Steelers (Overall: 3-3; AFC North: 1-0)

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Nov. 3, 2008: Steelers 23, Redskins 6; Nov. 28, 2004: Steelers 16, Redskins 7. Series record: Redskins hold 43-32-4 edge.

What matters: The secondary. Washington's pass defense continues to be an issue. It’s not just about the coverage because the pass rush has been inconsistent, but the coverage remains spotty at best. Yes, the Redskins can play well for long stretches, but breakdowns plague them at inopportune times -- and by different players. That has been the case for two years; it’s not changing.

Who matters: Safety Madieu Williams. Until the Redskins prove they can stop the pass and quit allowing big plays, teams will take shots at them deep. Williams lacks the speed to be an impact player in the secondary and the Redskins don’t like him to line up more than 12-13 yards off the ball, probably too close for someone of his speed. The Steelers have the speed to threaten Washington downfield.

Key matchups: Redskins CBs Josh Wilson and DeAngelo Hall vs. WRs Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace. Brown’s speed and shiftiness can hurt the Redskins; Wallace is a big-play guy but has struggled with drops. Wilson is better in coverage than Hall, but both give up big plays.... Redskins C Will Montgomery vs. NT Casey Hampton. The Redskins’ run game depends on more than Montgomery’s blocks, but he will have a handful with Hampton... Redskins QB Robert Griffin III vs. the Steelers’ LBs. Doesn’t matter who; his job will be to fool them and make them pay. Facing Griffin for the first time can be difficult for a defense that likes to be aggressive getting after the ball.

Injuries of note: LB London Fletcher (hamstring/balance) practiced in full Friday after missing the previous two practices. He's listed as questionable on the injury report, but Fletcher said he's played the past couple weeks with balance issues. His hamstring is still not 100 percent. If he can't play, Lorenzo Alexander would replace him, with rookie Keenan Robinson also taking snaps inside.. The Redskins already ruled out WR Pierre Garcon (foot/toe) and SS Brandon Meriweather (knee).

Inside stuff: TE Logan Paulsen takes over the No. 1 role with Fred Davis sidelined, and with Chris Cooley just returning. Paulsen deserves the role; few players have improved as much as the third-year player (an undrafted free agent in 2010). He’s a big key to the success of the outside zone with his ability to get his feet around and seal the edge. As a receiver, he’s slow. But the Redskins get their targets open as much through deception as flat-out speed.

Connections: Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett served in the same role with Pittsburgh from 1997-99. Two Steelers played for Washington: S Ryan Clark (2004-05) and PK Shaun Suisham (2006-09). Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, defensive backs coach Raheem Morris and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin worked together in Tampa Bay in 2004-05.

Stat you should know: The Redskins have done well possessing the ball this season; they’ve held onto the ball an average of 30:58. However, only one team is better than Pittsburgh in this area. The Steelers average time of possession is 34:49, second only to Houston. The Redskins are 1-2 when losing the time of possession battle.

Looking ahead: The Redskins host Carolina in Week 9 before their bye week. After the bye, the Redskins play three straight division games -- hosting Philadelphia, at Dallas and at home against the Giants. 

Prediction: Steelers 27, Redskins 24

John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.