1. Air it out

As nervous as Patrick Ramsey might be with his first NFL start coming at home, he faces a New Orleans pass defense that is ranked 27th in the league and surrenders 252.4 yards a game. Wide receivers Rod Gardner, Kevin Lockett and Chris Doering should find plenty of gaps.

2. Score first

Washington scored first against the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans. The results? Two victories. Putting up the game's first points should energize the crowd at FedEx Field.

3. Clamp down on Aaron Brooks

As dangerous as Deuce McAllister is, the New Orleans offense runs through Brooks, who has had a hand in 75.6 percent of the team's total yards. Brooks will test the Washington secondary, which will have its hands full with wide receivers Joe Horn and Jerome Pathon.