Defense needs to prevent quick drives, keep players in coverage ASHBURN — Jim Haslett would have had no problem talking about that game with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. In fact, the Redskins’ defensive coordinator would have been more than happy. It just wasn’t the game that others remembered or wanted to discuss.
So just in case anyone forgot: The Redskins stopped the Eagles’ offense last October, holding them to two field goals and a late touchdown in a 17-12 win. Yes, Michael Vick was hurt early in that game, but the Redskins held a two-touchdown lead when he left.
Of course, this was before the 59-point debacle a month later — “They could have scored 100,” Haslett said.
– John Keim
| Notes |
| » Running back Tim Hightower was limited in practice Thursday because of his shoulder, but he remains hopeful about his chances for playing Sunday vs. Philadelphia. The Redskins haven’t disclosed who they will start at running back, but the coaches like Hightower’s all-around game. Ryan Torain ran well in relief vs. St. Louis, gaining 135 yards. But Hightower’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and help in protection will be vital vs. the Eagles. Hightower said he first hurt his shoulder in the opener vs. the New York Giants but didn’t tell the coaches until early in the Rams game. “It limited my playing ability, but it’s better,” Hightower said. |
| » Receiver Anthony Armstrong (hamstring) and cornerback Phillip Buchanon (neck) also were limited in practice Thursday. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said he’s not sure whether Buchanon, coming off a four-game suspension by the NFL for taking performance enhancing drugs, will be active. Haslett said Buchanon has been working on covering in the slot but is not yet ready to play that role. |
In reality, neither game matters much to Haslett. After all, the Redskins have five new starters who were elsewhere last season.
“We’re a different team from last year,” he said.
The trick is to make sure Sunday is more like the first time they met last season and not the second.
Here’s how they can do that:
Pressure with four » The Eagles have major weapons at receiver in the speedy DeSean Jackson (19.5 yards a catch) and Jeremy Maclin (32 catches, three touchdowns). They have a solid third receiver in Jason Avant (23 catches). The Eagles also like to use running back LeSean McCoy on screens.
The more defenders in coverage, the better off Washington will be. This also would enable the Redskins to use a fifth defender occasionally to shadow quarterback Michael Vick in case he tries to run.
But they need to send extra defenders on occasion, perhaps pressuring Vick into mistakes or getting to him before he can set up and scan the field.
“We’ve been doing a good job getting the quarterbacks all year long,” linebacker Brian Orakpo said. “But this is a different task with Vick. We have to play aggressive but at the same time play smart.”
Force long drives » Of Philadelphia’s 13 touchdown drives this season, only one has lasted longer than eight plays. And seven of them have been six plays or less. The point: The Eagles strike fast.
Of their five scoring drives of 10 plays or more, three have resulted in field goals. The Eagles have reached the opposition’s 20-yard line 24 times, second best in the NFL, but have managed just 10 touchdowns.
In the first meeting last season, the Redskins held Philadelphia to two 10-play drives; both ended in field goals. In the second meeting, the Eagles had six touchdown drives of six plays or less.
But long drives mean more chances for mistakes; the Eagles have turned the ball over 15 times.
“They’re going to make plays, but that next play could be the turnover that changes everything,” nose tackle Barry Cofield said.
Stay disciplined »
That means in the pass rush as well as in coverage. If rushers leave their lanes, it creates an opening for Vick to run through.
“It’s paramount against this guy,” Cofield said. “He can turn a would-be sack into a 50-yard touchdown run.”
Meanwhile, once Vick scrambles and buys time, the defensive backs must stay tighter on the receivers in their area.
“You have to be aware of his arm strength,” safety Oshiomogho Atogwe said. “He has the ability to throw the ball 60-plus yards in the air. You’re very much aware of having to be disciplined in your coverage and your technique.”
