'Skins Week Five Preview: @ Philadelphia Eagles
Written by DCist contributor Elisabeth Meinecke
Keep an eye on the ground this week in Philly.
Gaining Ground: The Redskins have leapfrogged in both ESPN and CBS power rankings (to 6th and 4th respectively) after beating the previously undefeated Cowboys Sunday in Dallas. Santana Moss was second among receivers this week in total yards (8 catches for 145 yards) while Clinton Portis was second among running backs (121 yards on 21 carries). The Redskins defense allowed only 44 total yards rushing against Dallas, and Jason Campbell still hasn't thrown an interception.
Not Giving Ground: Philadelphia has the third best defense in the NFL, the most sacks (17), and is ranked #1 against the run.
The Lame Ducks: If Brian Westbrook (strained right ankle) plays Sunday for Philly, the landscape of the game gets rough for Washington. Westbrook racked up 183 total yards the last time he played the 'Skins and is a league-leader in touchdowns scored this season. Donovan McNabb is suffering from a bruised chest (supposedly more painful than a bruised ego) but is expected to start Sunday; however, rumor is his injury did affect Philly's play calling against the Bears last week (McNabb denies this, but ESPN.com has a different take from head coach Andy Reid). Wednesday's official injury report lists McNabb, Westbrook, and cornerback Asante Samuel at "limited participation." Meanwhile, the return of the Foxtrot king Jason Taylor is still uncertain for the Redskins, and Stephon Heyer is listed as questionable.
Shifting Ground: The Redskins haven't played back-to-back away game against Dallas and Philadelphia since before 1990. In 2007, the Redskins lost a home game to Philly and an away game at Dallas the following week. You can't measure momentum, but the last time the Redskins won a big game against Dallas (the final regular season game of 2007), they lost their next game by 21 points. And Philadelphia will be ready to prove themselves after a close loss to the Bears Sunday night.
The best attack for the Redskins will be the passing game. Though ranked 17th in passing offense, the 'Skins still boast a 102.4 rating in the air, which is 4th best in the NFL. When you're facing a defense ranked first against the run, only eleventh against the pass, and your quarterback hasn't thrown an interception, please, try throwing the ball. And have fun on defense – force Philly wide receiver DeSean Jackson into rookie mistakes (per last week's Three Stooges in cleats performance). Also, 'Skins linebacker Marcus Washington, who did not play during Westbrook's 183-yard performance last season, will be in the lineup Sunday.
For the Chips 'n' Dip Crowd: Philly may be the City of Brotherly Love, but the message never got to their sports fans, who have booed Santa Claus and thrown batteries on baseball diamonds at other teams' players. And you thought Congress's approval rating was low.