A Preview: Redskins vs. Eagles

Hello Redskins fans! After the thrilling 22-19 victory last week over Dallas, I'm really excited about tomorrow's 1:00pm kickoff at the Eagles. The Skins have a two game winning streak against the Eagles, and hold the series edge 75-63-5 (since 1934). Washington was propelled into the playoffs last year after a 5 year drought, defeating Philly 20-17.

Now, let's take a look at the tale of the tape of how the Redskins and Eagles match up. The Redskins are ranked 15th in the NFL, averaging 322.6 yards per game in total offense. Philly's defense is comparably ranked 14th in the league, averaging 316.1 yards given up per game in total offense. The Skins' defense, ranked 30th in the NFL, will have a tall order trying to stop the Eagles' number one ranked offense (in total yardage).

The Redskins are coming off of their best game of the year, and it's not just because the game was thrilling. Washington played better then they have all year. However, they still were far from great. The defense looked really good at times, but far from the dominant force that they were last year. The offense looked better then they have all year, but still could have been a lot better. They actually threw the ball down field, but not as often or well as they should. Clinton Portis ran the ball on the outside for 38 yards, untouched, for a touchdown. But they didn’t run to the outside as many times as they should have. They just kept running up the middle and getting squished after a one or two yard gains. The Skins never did give up, but they didn’t have that killer mentality that you need in order to win in the NFL.

They still aren’t rushing Clinton Portis enough! He wasn’t effective except for that 38yard TD run. The most ridiculous thing for the Redskins happened early in the game. The Skins tried 8 consecutive times to score a touchdown from inside the 4 yard line and failed every time. They ran the ball 6 times. Clinton Portis rushed 5 times, Ladell Betts rushed once, and T.J.Duckett rushed ZERO times. Isn’t Duckett's great career goal line production a main reason why the Skins traded a 3 rd round draft pick for him?

Another positive for the Skins is that they only committed four penalties, which is a lot better then they have been. Before last weekend's game, the Skins were among the most penalized team in the league and led the league in 15 yard personal foul penalties.

All in all, it's safe to say that the Skins did improve their play. However, you can't escape the fact that a ton of unbelievable luck had a significant role in the improbable win. I hope they realize their mistakes and things they could do better this weekend.

Big hat tip to Eric, with his input and thoughtful insight in this post.