Sports

Week 12 - Washington Redskins: Philadelphia Eagles Preview

The first time the Eagles played the Redskins this season, it was painful to watch. The Eagles won 27-10 thanks to DeSean Jackson and the fact that the Redskins offense was putrid. This time around could be even worse, as the two teams have enough injured players to field a Pro Bowl squad.

In the first game, Jackson had 136 total yards and 2 touchdowns. The other 53 offensive plays run by the Eagles that night accounted for 136 yards. Brian Westbrook also got his first concussion in that game. He is out after sustaining his second concussion along with middle linebacker Stewart Bradley, both Andrews brothers on the offensive line, and possibly all of their cornerbacks. Joselio Hanson is still serving his 4-game suspension, Ellis Hobbs is out for the year, Asante Samuel is doubtful with a neck injury and Sheldon Brown will most likely limp around on the field with a bad hamstring. The Redskins O-line is in shambles due to injury. They’ve lost their top 2 RBs in Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts.  Tight End Chris Cooley is out. $100 million free agent DT Albert Haynesworth is most likely out and CB DeAngelo Hall is doubtful with a knee injury. This game could be tough to watch.

McNabb was horrible in the first match-up with only 99 yards passing, even though Jackson took one 57 yards for a TD. Keep in mind that the Redskins pass defense is the best in the entire NFL, while their run defense is a lowly 25th. Yeah, I’m taking bets that Andy throws the ball all damn day. He’s a genius, remember? Without Hall to cover Jackson, he may have a really nice day. Also, without Haynesworth to command double-teams in the middle, McNabb might actually be able to get comfortable in the pocket for a change. The over/under for flags on Jason “False Start” Peters is two. I’m taking the over, even at home.

With Westbrook out, LeSean McCoy gets the start. I saw the stats that show that McCoy averages 4.98 yards per carry when he starts and only 3.17 when Westbrook plays. Apparently McCoy doesn’t like sitting on the bench. He’s also coming off a career high 99 yards last week. Andy should feed McCoy the rock all day, but he won’t. Why make it an easy win right?

The Redskins defense might be ranked 4th overall, but they are dead last with only 12 takeaways. That’s good news for the Eagles players, like McCoy and Jackson, who are too often careless with the football.

The Redskins offense is ranked 25th overall and they don’t even look that good. Their O-line has been unable to protect quarterback Jason Campbell or open any holes for the running game. The Eagles sacked Campbell six times in the first game, but they only have three sacks in their last two games. With the injuries in the Eagles defensive backfield, getting pressure on Campbell is the key to the game. If Campbell has time in the pocket, he will eventually be able to find an open receiver. I hope Samuel doesn’t play because he bites so hard on pump fakes he must bite through his mouth-guard. Even with Cooley out, I’m sure that backup TE Fred Davis will abuse the Eagles, just like every other TE does.

With Portis and Betts out, Rock Cartwright starts at RB for the Redskins. There is a reason Cartwright was 3rd-string, but he is a strong runner and good receiver out of the backfield. Another instance, where the Eagles linebackers will be exploited in coverage. The Redskins will try to keep their offense balanced, as long as they don’t get too far behind. They have to with Campbell at QB.

DeSean Jackson is the leading punt returner in the NFL with a 14.9 average, but the Redskins are in the top 10 in both punt and kick coverage. The Eagles punt coverage unit is ranked #3 in the NFL, but that might have to do with only having to cover 16 yard punts by the incredibly inconsistent Sav Rocca. They need to send him back to the “Land Down Under” and get a better punter.

The Redskins are already dead and buried this season, but the Eagles still have a shot at the playoffs in the weak NFC, surprisingly enough. The NFC East isn’t even as strong as most people thought it would be. On Thanksgiving, the Cowboys won, but the Giants got creamed by the Broncos. Did anybody else have mixed feelings watching #20 on the Broncos make almost every great play on defense? Here I thought the Eagles told us Brian Dawkins was washed up. How can that be when the apologists in the media tells us that the Eagles are always right on these things?

The Eagles win this game because the Redskins stink. Both teams have major injuries, but the Eagles backups have played a bit better. Plus, Jason Campbell shouldn’t be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Let’s call it Eagles 23 - Redskins 16. I’m bored already.

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