Redskins Week 7 preview: vs. Eagles

Keys to the game

1. Handle the blitz » The Eagles will blitz often and with everyone. They’ve played cover zero nearly 30 times this season (all-out blitz with man coverage). And they’ve had nine players with sacks (but no defensive backs). Philly likes to overload sides. The backs and tight ends must chip in to help. Quarterback Jason Campbell must do a better job in the pocket or he’ll get pulled again. Also, with the blitz, the middle is wide open. Find it.

2. Stop the big play » Philadelphia is explosive offensively with wideouts Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, also a punt returner. Both can score from anywhere. Double one and the other has a big game. Focus on both and tight end Brent Celek is dangerous. Brian Westbrook has lost some of his explosiveness, but remains dangerous. It’s not just the offense, however, as the Eagles have intercepted 11 passes this season and average three sacks a game.

3. Handle the details » If the Redskins are to spring an upset, they must be focused on the so-called little things. One of those this week will be how the play-calling gets relayed to Campbell. It’s an unusual setup, so the chance for error increases. Also, guys like Stephon Heyer must quit giving away plays based on their stance and alignment. There’s a reason teams know what’s coming. Also, with the blitz, communication along a line still getting to know one another is vital.

Key matchups


DeAngelo Hall • Redskins • CB » He’ll be looking to make a big play; beware surrendering the same.

vs.
DeSean Jackson • Eagles • WR » Speedy receiver only caught three passes for 22 yards vs. Redskins in 2008.

Brian Orakpo • Redskins • LB » He won’t cover Celek all the time, but needs to be focused when he does.

vs.
Brent Celek • Eagles • TE » He has a team-high 30 catches and is troublesome because of the attention paid elsewhere.

Stephon Heyer • Redskins • LT » Watch how deep his outside leg is before the snap on a pass play. Surely, Cole will see this too.

vs.
Trent Cole • Eagles • DE » He has a team-best 4 1/2 sacks and knows this could be a game to pad his total.

State of the teams


EAGLES » Philadelphia is not playing to expectations, coming off an upset loss in Oakland. The Eagles’ offensive line is struggling. They need a win to stay close to the New York Giants in the NFC East.

REDSKINS » Washington had a deflated feel on Wednesday, but by week’s end, perhaps with some of the craziness dying down, they were back to normal. But if they’re going to turn their season around, it has to start Monday.

Examiner predicts


Philadelphia is difficult to read at times. The Eagles have the talent to contend, but have a big hole in the middle of their defense. However, they have enough playmakers to win this game. The Redskins don’t.

Eagles 27, Redskins 13


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