Skins @ Eagles: Second quarter review

1st Qtr | 2nd Qtr | 3rd Qtr | 4th Qtr

» The Redskins have done a good job with keeping the Eagles guessing a little defensively. They’re starting to get into a rhythm, helped again by the short early passes. Playcalling might help, but these are all part of the script.

» Fred Smoot was beaten on the deep pass to Jeremy Maclin, but was fortunate that the ball was underthrown, allowing LaRon Landry to come over and break up the pass. A holding penalty would have nullified it anyway.

» The deep fade to Malcolm Kelly was, I think, the first time that pass has worked between he and Jason Campbell. But that shows the rhythm Campbell is in today. On the play, he actually stepped to his left. Then set and threw back right, a perfect throw.
 
» The Redskins wasted another chance for points. It was the first time Philly has applied a decent amount of pressure on Campbell, one time pushing both tackles back deep and pinching him. Rock Cartwright did a nice job picking up a linebacker blitzing up the middle.

» As long as Washington can stay ahead, the line will pass protect well enough. But every time the Redskins have to use anything other than a three-step drop, or some sort of misdirection, the Eagles will pressure them.

» Loved the swing pass to Marcus Mason. They motioned Mike Sellers to the right at the last minute and he appeared headed out on a wheel route. The defense shifted its focus his way and nobody covered the opposite flat and Mason gained 11 yards.

» One of the few times the Redskins did not try to fool the Eagles with misdirection or another look, it backfired. Jason Campbell stared at Santana Moss, patted the ball twice and then threw it too far inside, leading to an easy read and pick by Asante Samuel. When going to his side, you must make him think for at least a minute. He’s one of the best at anticipating throws. Instead, they made it easy on him. A gift.

» Great job by the defense after the turnover. Holding them to a field goal was outstanding. Lots of six DB looks. On the third-down play, DT Cornelius Griffin dropped into coverage.

» Devin Thomas adds explosiveness in the kick return game.

» Campbell made a bad decision throwing into double coverage. It did not help that Trent Cole hit him as he threw. But Thomas did not appear to be opened. Again, you can’t let Samuel read the eyes of the quarterback. Too easy.

» The Redskins are losing and have slowed down offensively after a decent start. Just feels like Philly is in control of this game, dictating – good and bad – what happens. The Eagles have 202 yards at halftime; that’s 60 less than they had in the entire first meeting.

» Trent Cole will continue to eat up Levi Jones in passing downs. He simply needs a lot of help vs. Cole and if the Redskins don’t give it to him, or if they don’t use three-step drops, Cole will tear him up.