Keys to victory 1 Handle the speed » The Eagles have a lot of speed and playmakers on offense with receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Both are capable of huge plays, and with the Redskins still incorporating young players such as linebacker Perry Riley and safety DeJon Gomes, this is an issue that must be watched. Gomes has struggled when playing deep; Oshiomogho Atogwe is more susceptible the longer he’s in the game. When the Redskins have slowed Philadelphia, they have limited the big plays.
2 Stop the pressure » Philadelphia has recorded 49 sacks this season, including 16 in the past three games combined. The Redskins have been able to scheme their way out of pressure, but the Eagles’ system puts the ends wide and puts stress on the tackles. Their cornerbacks help, too, with solid coverage. The Redskins can freeze some of the pressure with play-action or screens. But the Eagles’ line doesn’t worry about the running game.
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3 Run the ball » Philadelphia’s linebackers play a little closer to the line of scrimmage to compensate for the line’s desire to rush the passer. So they bite hard on play-action, but you can’t get them to be fooled if you’re not running the ball. The other key is making sure to get a lead on the Eagles early. If that’s the case, the play-action will keep them off-balance all game. The problem is Washington lacks a pass-catching tight end to hurt the linebackers more. But the running game will suffice.
Key matchups
LT Willie Smith
His three starts have produced good and bad; he again will be challenged.
vs.
DE Jason Babin
He has 18 sacks for a reason: He never stops, and he’s talented.
CB Josh Wilson
He’s coming off a tough game, but Wilson has played well in the second half.
vs.
WR DeSean Jackson
He’s averaging 16.2 yards per catch but has only three touchdowns.
NT Barry Cofield
He needs to plug the middle, even on pass rushes to contain QB Michael Vick.
vs.
C Jason Kelce
Like Cofield, he attended Cleveland Heights High School. He has played well of late.
Expert’s Take
“Asante Samuels’ injury might have helped solidify things because now Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie goes outside and he’s playing better. So down the stretch things started to come together. [Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo] is more comfortable making the calls and is seeing things quicker. [Now] you get the feeling … the players are more comfortable and as a result they’re playing better.”
– NFL on Fox analyst Charles Davis
Examiner Predicts
It makes a difference whether LeSean McCoy plays. If he’s healthy, the Eagles continue their late-season surge.
Eagles 21, Redskins 16
