Redskins vs. Eagles predictions

[hail_2_da_skins]

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.

[hail_2_da_skins]

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

Redskins 24
Eagles 21

[Beemnseven]

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.

[MTK]

I'm eagerly awaiting some Michael Westbrook jokes.

[hail_2_da_skins]

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

[BleedBurgundy]

I can't believe I didn't notice it until Matty said something... still- Redskins 28 Eagles 17
I don't think McNabb spreading the blame around the rest of his team is going to help their cohesiveness. I want to see them implode in a big way.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

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

I saw your spill on Frost and looked up his numbers and he is ranked 11th in the NFL. He is not our big concern and has shown big improvements over the past 2 years. He is ranked 4th for getting them down behind the 20 yard line.

[mheisig]

Originally Posted by hail_2_da_skins

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.

Problem solved: He's no longer in the NFL. Should be easy to combat him now.

[mheisig]

I think it will be an absolute dogfight to the end, just like every NFC East battle this year. Don't count the Eagles out yet.

Skins: 16
Eagles: 13

[Chief X_Phackter]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I saw your spill on Frost and looked up his numbers and he is ranked 11th in the NFL. He is not our big concern and has shown big improvements over the past 2 years. He is ranked 4th for getting them down behind the 20 yard line.

Hmmm, well I wrote that from my perspective of watching him the past few weeks compared to what I remembered from the beginning of the season and I never would have guessed that. Maybe he did so well in the beginning, he padded his stats enough so the past few weeks didn't hurt him. I don't know. It sure doesn't seem like he's been the same punter as of late as he was early on...I could be wrong though.

[dmek25]

i don't like to make predictions. but if the skins are to be a player in this years scheme of things, this is a must win. i see the skins defense scoring. and i hope to see plenty of Mr Portis
skins 23
eagles 13

[TheMalcolmConnection]

If the Skins play like last week, Eagles win 21-10.

We won't be able to run the ball on the Eagles like we did against the Jets.

I truly am concerned for the defense. If we can somehow put another game together like we did in the beginning of the season, we win 21-10.

I'm feeling pessimistic only because we seem to be up one week or down the next. If we're down this week, I predict we beat Dallas in Dallas, but man, the Skins are really freaking me out lately.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

But above all, my prediction is pain.

[sandtrapjack]

Division game and the 'Skins always turn it up a notch for these. Eagles thus far have talked a big game, but are yet to deliver. The vets say the right things to the media, but inside they know facts are facts and that they are 0-3 in the division and 2-5 in the NFC. They have dug themselves into a hole to deep to crawl out of especially in the highly competitive NFC East. Their mouths say YES YES YES we will win, but thier eyes say NO NO NO way we can. They know as the rest of the league knows, their window of opportunity has officially closed.

Reid will play McNabb the remainder of the season, but just in an attempt to shop him for a trade to the Bears in the off-season.

Redskins: 19
Eagles: 17

And no matter how poorly he plays, McNumb-nuts will reamin true to charater and find a way to blame anyone but himself for the offenses misfortunes. He did it last week, and he will do it this week.

[70Chip]

1. Stop Westbrook.

2. Stop L.J. Smith

3. Give them a healthy dose of their own medicine (screens and draws, baby, screens and draws).

Redskins 31
Eagles 13