1. They’re banged up defensively » The secondary, in particular, is hurting as two of their top four corners at the start of the season are out (to injury and suspension). Starter Sheldon Brown is playing with a strained hamstring. They’re now forced to use safeties as nickel corners. Meanwhile, the linebackers have been reshuffled all season. They lost their top two middle linebackers and have used at least four other players at this spot. Still, they’ve gone 20 straight games without allowing an opposing runner to crack 100 yards.
2. They make big plays » Perhaps you’ve heard that one — and remember seeing DeSean Jackson running 67 yards on an end around for one touchdown and catching a 57-yard pass for another in the first matchup. Jackson’s quickness off the line and downfield burst make him a dangerous player. He has scored seven touchdowns this season – five receiving, one rushing and one on a punt return. The Eagles have six players whose longest reception is at least 34 yards. By comparison, the Redskins have three. Philadelphia has intercepted 16 passes with their starting corners combining for nine. Their pressure scheme forces bad throws.
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3. They’re a young team » The Eagles are the 10th youngest team in the NFL and 27 of their 53 players are 26 years or younger; four more who are on injured reserve are in that category as well. By comparison, the Redskins have 21 such players, with four more on IR. The Eagles have four players with 10 or more years experience; Washington has 11 (with two on IR).
4. McNabb has starred late » Quarterback Donovan McNabb has been criticized in Philly for coming up short at the end of games. But in the past two weeks he’s done the opposite — he completed 13 of his last 14 passes to rally past Chicago last week. By the way, when his passer rating is 100 or higher, the Eagles are 43-1 (including playoffs) and 17-0 when he completes at least 70 percent of his passes. With Brian Westbrook out again, and Michael Vick still a non-factor, McNabb keys this offense. Also note: he loves throwing to tight end Brent Celek.
