1. Stop the blitz » The Eagles love to blitz. It’s worked as they’re second in the NFL with 30 sacks. Last week, the Redskins did not protect well, especially when their tight ends went out on passes, but quarterback Jason Campbell did make plays against the blitz. The Eagles force turnovers with their pressure. A big concern, too, is the blitz pickups by the backs. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts were the best at doing this. They’re both hurt. Screens will help.

2. Beware the big play » DeSean Jackson burned Washington with touchdowns of 67 and 57 yards in October. Other than those two plays, the Redskins held the Eagles to 138 yards of offense. The Redskins’ secondary must play more disciplined in coverage and take better routes when Jackson runs an end around. This will be tougher minus DeAngelo Hall. But it’s not just him as the Eagles have multiple weapons; tight end Brent Celek is the yardstick mover and a red zone threat.

3. Establish the run » This will be difficult minus the top two running backs. But the Redskins can’t be one-dimensional and win this game, as they well know. Rock Cartwright is a capable back. But if the Redskins can run the ball, they’ll be able to attack the Eagles’ back seven, which is banged-up. The chance for big plays will then be available. But they can’t take advantage without the threat of the run.

Key matchups


Levi Jones • Redskins • LT » The backs often stay on his side on passing downs, knowing he needs help vs. top rushers.

vs.
Trent Cole • Eagles • DE » He leads the Eagles with 8 1/2 sacks and, if they overload the other side, he’ll be locked one-on-one.

Andre Carter • Redskins • DE » Speed rusher leads Washington with 8 sacks, twice as many as he had all of last year.

vs.
Jason Peters • Eagles • LT » He’s hobbled by an ankle sprain. He’ll be challenged by the speed of Carter and Brian Orakpo.

Edwin Williams • Redskins • RG » His first career start comes out of necessity. The right side of the line could have issues.

vs.
Mike Patterson • Eagles • DT » He exits the game in passing situations, but he is a good run stopper in the middle.

State of the teams


EAGLES » The Eagles have injury issues, especially on defense. Their back seven has been re-shuffled. But don’t expect tears to be shed in Ashburn. Philly snapped a two-game losing streak last week, quieting its fans for, oh, about a minute.

REDSKINS » Washington keeps losing players and that’s not exactly the recipe a bad team trying to turn around its season needs to follow. The Redskins remain upbeat, but also resigned to what is happening this season.

Examiner predicts


Once again, the Redskins, if not for the injuries to their line, would have had a great chance at an upset. But once again they’ll play valiantly, thanks to the defense, and fall short.

Eagles 17, Redskins 10


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