Rams head coach Steve Spaguolo used to be a defensive coach with the Eagles under Jim Johnson at the same time that Donovan McNabb was there and then became defensive coordinator for the Giants and was responsible for trying to contain McNabb twice a year when the Giants and Eagles played against each other. Even before he became head coach of the Rams he would play the Redskins twice a year as both an Eagles and Giants coach.

Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur used to be Donovan McNabb's mentor in Philly and after working all those years with him is more than likely aware of all of McNabbs tendencies. It's well documented by a lot of Rams fans on this website, no matter how fair or unfair it is, that Shurmur's influence isn't really helping our offense right now, but can he give our defense some tips on what to look out for in McNabb?

Rams defensive tackle Fred Robbins will get more playing time this week due to the injury to Clifton Ryan. As a member of the New York Giants, he played against the Redskins twice a year but now that Shanahan is coaching and using the zone blocking schemes it might be different from what Robbins is used to. Bottom line he is still probably aware of the tendencies of the Redskins interior offensive line AND Donovan McNabb.

On the flip side, McNabb has played with and against Spagnuolo's defensive teachings and might be aware of some of his blitz schemes. He is also aware of Pat Shurmur's offensive planning and might be giving the defense some tips to help them out this weekend.

Adam Carriker who was with us the past few years has some experience practicing against Jason Smith, Jacob Bell, Jason Brown and Adam Goldberg. He should be aware of some of there tendencies and might try to "impact" the game. It's been said that he underachieved with us but then also that he was playing the wrong position. As a 3-4 end under Jim Haslett, who coached him when he was defensive coordinator with the Rams three years ago, Carriker might be in a better place.

It all has the makings of a great chess match but bottom line, someone is going to have to diagnose a situation and make a play to win this game!