1. How big is this game for the Redskins? Very big. However, Dallas’ win over the Giants made it a little less do-or-die. Still, considering they have a difficult road game at Tennessee the following week, they don’t want to start the second half with a loss. My guess is the NFC East will only get two playoff teams; falling two games behind the Eagles and Giants with seven left would not be ideal.
2. Will Clinton Portis or Brandon Banks play? I can’t imagine Portis playing after being unable to practice all week – after missing four straight games – because of his groin injury. Yes, this is a huge game but I’d make sure he could get through a week of practice first. I’m dubious on Banks’ chances too. Don’t know this for sure, but my hunch is that he won’t play. My guess also is that he has a better shot at it than Portis.
3. What is the impact of them not playing? It’s big for both. With Portis, the Redskins would have a back who can pick up the blitz. Keiland Williams is their best pass-blocker but even he is inconsistent. The Lions fooled him a couple times with blitzes and, with an inexperienced left side of the line, they can’t afford many missed assignments. Portis also has an instinct that causes him to not go on a route so he can help protect. Williams, naturally, isn’t there yet. How will he handle it tonight? As for Banks, it’s not just the huge returns, it’s his consistency as 10 of his 17 punt returns have gone for 16 yards or more. So he’s getting the offense nearly two first downs every time he touches the ball. Can Phillip Buchanon do that? Doubtful.
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4. Can they run on Philly’s D? They did so in the first game, rushing for 160 yards as Ryan Torain gained 70 yards on 18 carries, including a screw-you — run over Quintin Mikell for a touchdown, helping to set a physical tone in the 17-12 win. Torain also did a nice job setting up linebackers on some cutback runs, causing them to freeze in the hole or overplay one side. But, in the four games since, the Eagles have not allowed a team to surpass 100 yards rushing. Here’s who they’ve faced in that stretch: Chris Johnson, Frank Gore and Michael Turner. One difference is that Moise Fokou replaced Akeem Jordan at strongside linebacker after the Redskins game. He’s considered more aggressive and faster and it seems to have helped. Also, former Redskin Antonio Dixon is starting at tackle and Juqua Parker is starting at end. Both have made a difference.
5. Now the big question: How will Donovan McNabb respond to the past two weeks? Those who know him say he’s at his best when he’s challenged. Well, he’s been challenged, probably like never before. But this same person expected that to be a reason why he would play well at Philly and that didn’t happen. My guess is he’ll fare better, but this is not the same as the spots he’s been in before. If he’s still trying to grasp this offense – and if he still has a front with pass-protection issues – that won’t change overnight. McNabb might not be in position to have a huge game against a good defense. It’ll also be interesting to see what happens if the Redskins need to run a two-minute offense, and have no time outs, at the end of the game. Will McNabb stay in? If it was all about him being too banged up last time, then he will.
6. Will the Redskins do much different tonight with McNabb? They already like the rollouts and bootlegs and that was supposed to fit his strengths. They’ll have to use a lot of slide protection to get away from the pressure that he’ll inevitably face. Maybe more shotgun formation? Only problem with that is how it might change the run game. Still, maybe it would give Williams and the other backs a better chance at dissecting a blitz.
7. Where are the Eagles vulnerable? In the secondary. Their starting free safety, Nate Allen, is hurt and replaced by another rookie in Kurt Coleman. The latter is not nearly as good in coverage, which is why he was a seventh-round pick. But he is a big hitter. Also, Dimitri Patterson will replace corner Ellis Hobbs. The Eagles have allowed six touchdown passes in the past three games – three by Tennessee’s Kerry Collins. So, yes, they can be thrown on – if you can block them up front.
8. How should they defend Michael Vick? There’s not one way to defend him, so they will spy him at times; they will sit in cover-2 and they will mix coverages. Yes, like almost every other game. But what they must do is force Vick to be patient and work his way downfield. An offense that wants to make big plays gets frustrated when that’s not happening. The way the Eagles can make big plays downfield, I’d make that a priority rather than stopping Vick’s runs. The other key is being able to pressure with four. Hello, Albert Haynesworth. He and Brian Orakpo must have a big game.
9. Will they be as physical with the wideouts as they were in the first game? They’d like to be, but surely the Eagles will use different alignments to prevent that from happening. Maybe send them more in motion or use certain players more in the slot. But one key was definitely slowing them off the line and it’s a good strategy to employ again. Of course, the Eagles know this as well.
10. Can they slow the weapons? The coverage was terrific in the first game, but it’s hard to contain guys like DeSean Jackson for too long. Heck, last year he touched the ball nine times in two games vs. Washington and scored three touchdowns. That’s a pretty good percentage. It’s not just him; it’s Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek. But the Eagles also have running back LeSean McCoy, who is part of the reason Philly averages 176.5 rushing yards per game – the most in the Andy Reid era. Yes, Vick has something to do with that, but McCoy averages 4.7 yards per run. It’s hard to defend all these weapons and when the Eagles spread the field, McCoy becomes more dangerous. Will the Eagles get the Redskins into nickel packages and then run McCoy – or drop screens to him? It would be smart as the Redskins have done a decent job of late stopping teams from running in their 3-4 front.
11. Who will win? The Redskins did a terrific job of winning in Philadelphia, playing their most spirited game of the season, perhaps a result of playing so physical. But Vick changes things as does the loss of Portis. Those two factors tilt this game in Philly’s favor. The Eagles are not unbeatable by any means. They are flawed and have some issues with their line as well as in coverage. But can the Redskins consistently stop the blitz? Can they limit Vick all night? Can McNabb have a good game? Not sure about any of these. I’ll give the Redskins a chance because they always play close. But … Eagles 21, Redskins 17.
Check back Tuesday when I’ll provide the real answers to the questions I’ve asked.
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