Sunday • 4:15 p.m. • TV » FOX • Radio » 92.7 & 94.3 FM/730 & 980 AM/Sirius 123
KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Stick to your guy » When Michael Vick starts to run, that’s when he’s most dangerous. In the past, though, he typically would tuck the ball and run a lot quicker than he is now. Considering the talent he has at receiver, Vick is keeping his eyes downfield and letting the receivers break open. That means Carlos Rogers and DeAngelo Hall must latch onto their men tightly the minute Vick scrambles. He’s not shy about taking his shots. Oh, and watch out for tight end Brent Celek, too.
2. Find a rush » The Redskins haven’t applied much pressure unless they blitz. That has to change this week, otherwise they’ll have a tough time in coverage … again. Also, Vick still throws with bad mechanics at times, off his back foot. That stuff eventually gets guys in trouble. The more pressure he faces, the more he’ll throw that way. They still need to blitz, but a good option is overloading a side yet still only rushing four.
3. Attack the linebackers » Philadelphia’s linebackers are good vs. the run, especially Stewart Bradley in the middle and Ernie Sims on the outside. But one way teams have hurt the Eagles is by spreading the field and getting Sims and Akeem Jordan locked in bad matchups, whether against a tight end or running back. The Redskins have the tight ends to make this work, but their backs are questionable as receivers.
KEY MATCHUPS
| Redskins | Eagles | |
|
LT Trent Williams » That is, if he plays. Regardless, whoever plays LT will have a tough matchup. |
vs. | DE Trent Cole » He’s an excellent pass rusher (and has three sacks), but he’s solid against the run, too. |
| CB DeAngelo Hall » He needs to make up for last week’s all-around poor showing. Hall has the speed to cover Jackson. | vs. | WR DeSean Jackson » Vick’s big arm makes him even more dangerous. Jackson is averaging 24.5 yards per catch. |
| LB London Fletcher » He needs to stay off blocks, something he’s been unable to do. His range will be tested. | vs. | RB LeSean McCoy » The Eagles will spread the field and then run McCoy, who is averaging 6.1 yards per carry. |
STATE OF THE TEAMS
EAGLES » Philadelphia is playing with a lot of confidence, thanks in large part to Vick’s performance. The Eagles have to feel no defense can stop them right now. Actually, based on the past two games, they might be right.
REDSKINS » Washington was stunned by what happened in St. Louis. The Redskins know they’re entering a dangerous stretch, too. And defensive players know that the 3-4 is a tough fit for some.
EXAMINER PREDICTS …
The Eagles look scary on offense, but they have holes on both sides. Plus, McNabb will have a good day in his return. Just not good enough.
Eagles 28, Redskins 24
