Redskins game day » Week 5 at Eagles
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
October 5, 2008
ASHBURN — Redskins at Eagles
Sunday at 1 p.m. • TV » FOX • Radio » 980 AM/SIRIUS 152
Three keys to a Redskins victory
1. STOP WESTBROOK » Byron Westbrook must remember never to listen to his brother again. We’re guessing Brian Westbrook will play and he’ll be the primary player Washington must stop. As good as Donovan McNabb is, especially when healthy, he’s sooo much more dangerous with Westbrook in the backfield. The Redskins’ luxury is secondary depth, so look for them to rotate how they handle Westbrook, who has averaged more than 150 yards in the past four games vs. Washington.
2. BEWARE THE BLITZ » The Eagles’ will blitz as much, or likely more, than any team Washington will face. They’re creative and they’re aggressive. The line needs to communicate; Jason Campbell must find his hot reads. Philly’s defense is fast and hasn’t given up much on the ground. Campbell’s patience will be a major factor in this game; but to win they will have to hit a couple downfield shots. Strong safety Quintin Mikell is weak in coverage.
3. INCREASE THE PRESSURE » Philadelphia QB McNabb is an accurate passer and can keep plays alive with his legs. If the Redskins don’t generate more of a rush, he’ll have too much time to maneuver. They’ve done well in coverage, but with Shawn Springs unlikely to play that could change. The Eagles want to go downfield, but McNabb will dink and dunk when needed. They must contain him in the pocket and can afford to have an occasional spy on him.
Key matchups
| CB Carlos Rogers | vs. | WR DeSean Jackson |
| He’s off to his best start in Washington. Watch out for the double moves; Philly will use them all day. | Maybe he’s a knucklehead, but he’s a productive one. He’s also scary on the deep ball. The rookie already has 22 receptions. | |
| LT Chris Samuels | vs. | DE Trent Cole |
| He’s not coming off his best game, but he’ll have a chance at redemption against Cole. | He’s the Eagles best pass rusher. He has only two sacks, but applies consistent pressure. | |
| WR Santana Moss | vs. | CB Asante Samuel |
| One way to make the Eagles pay on their blitzes is to get the ball in Moss’ hands. He’s hot; ride him. | The Redskins went at him last year when he played for New England. He read Jason Campbell well that day. |
State of the teams
The Redskins must deal with new-found prosperity after a huge win. There’s no sense of overconfidence. There’s just a growing confidence in what they can accomplish. They’re having fun in an energetic atmosphere.
The Eagles have to be upset with their record. Philadelphia could easily be 4-0. But, at 2-2, they can’t afford to lose a division game at home. Not in a division that should be tight all season.
The Examiner predicts ...
Are the Redskins that good already? The Eagles need this game; they have Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook ready. That’s enough for us.
Eagles 23, Redskins 21
