Redskins vs. Eagles predictions

Philadelphia might be a better football team than us top to bottom. That said, we played our best (2nd best?) game of the season against them 2 months ago, and I believe we will play out best game of the season again this week. Offense, defense, special teams. Everything will click for us on this afternoon, our only home game in the month of November.

Redskins 28
Eagles 14

Tight hard fought, close one as usual. We know whats on the line, WE NEED THIS DIVISIONAL GAME AT HOME!

SKINS= 21
shitbirds=13

Offense:

I think this game more than any other so far, it is critical to get the running game going early. Philadelphia is much better at stopping the run than the pass and that will no doubt be their key for this game on defense. If we can get a ground game going, that should frustrate them a little and open it up for play action passes down the field. No turnovers.

Defense:

No doubt we have to take Westbrook out of the game, or at least limit his production as best as possible. He is the main threat, along with McNabb getting out of the pocket and getting some cheap first downs with his feet. Stop (limit) Westbrook, pressure and contain McNabb, and we should have a good day on defense. Oh, and a turnover or two will help as well.

Special Teams:

What is up with Derrick Frost? He needs to get it going. Field position will be another key. He was great for the first few games, but has not been great as of late. Hopefully he won't get many opportunities, but if he does, we can't afford to give McNabb and Co. a short field. Pin 'em deep.


If we can get all this accomplished

Skins 27
Eagles 16

The Defense needs to key in on one person and one person only: Brian Westbrook. Stop him and make McNabb's allotment of #3 and #4 receivers beat a secondary that will bend but not break. However, keep McNabb on his toes...he's not the scrambler he once was. Landry will be up in the box all day...

The Eagles are going to get a steady diet of Clinton Portis, and I'd like to hope the O-Line is even stronger this week than last. Campbell needs to stretch the field a bit. 10-15 yard passes, and stop checking down underneath too frequently.

Skins 20
Eagles 12

skins 16-10. it will no doubt come down to the Eagles driving at the end of the game. hopefully we will stop them this time again.

offensively - we have to be able to attack the secondary because I dont see us running wild like we did last week. Dawkins is back, but probably a little banged up, plus their other starting safety is out. I hope to see more 3 WR sets to spead them out up front and run out of that freeing up some more lanes for CP.

defensively - which team will show up? the aggressive style we saw against the Jets, or the sit back and watch zone we have used primarily. With McNabb struggling and not as mobile, I hope the mix it up with some more pressure, sending Landry at McNabb and getting some hits on him. I think we can force him into some INT's.

This is a scary game. Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook have killed the Skins in the past. Here are the keys to the game.

1) Stop Michael Westbrook. This guy will destroy your defense. He is elusive on the run and can make big plays in the passing game. You have to key on him to run and cover him with a quick linebacker or safety.

2) Score touchdowns in the red zone. The Redskins have to convert more of their scoring opportunities to touchdowns. The wide receivers need to get the monkey off their backs and penetrate the end zone.

3) Put pressure on Donovan McNabb. Get after McNabb. Keep him off balanced and concerned about the pass rush. If it means blitzing, then do it. Drill his ass!

4) Run the ball downhill. The offensive line needs to control the line of scrimmage and allow the running backs to get to the second and third levels. Portis needs to hit the holes at full speed and finish off his runs. Betts needs to step up and be apart of the run game also.

5) Challenge the Eagles secondary deep. Jason Campbell needs to take a few shots deep and hit on at least one big play downfield. If the run game gets going, I want to see the playaction pass deep and not a check down to the fullback or tight end.

6) Win the battle of special teams. Need good solid coverage. Need a couple of big returns to set up the offense with easy scores.

I predict the Skins get the job done but not without the usual dramatics.

Redskins 24
Eagles 21

In my straight-up football pool I'm picking the Birds.

The "close call" luck will run out. Philly is a cornered animal and I see our woeful, worse than 2004 offense costing us this one.

Eagles win, 17-9.

I'm eagerly awaiting some Michael Westbrook jokes.

I can't believe I actually typed Michael Westbrook. My fingers must have been possessed.