NFL Week 5: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

The tough Eagles meet the surging Redskins in NFL Week 5.

Eagles vs. Redskins Overview:

The NFC East looked to be a two-team race between the Dallas Cowboys and the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. This all changed when the Washington Redskins upset the Dallas Cowboys at home, and the NFC East became wide open once again. The Philadelphia Eagles have also been impressive out of the gate with a near win over the Dallas Cowboys and a great win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With momentum and tiebreakers on the line, the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles meet in a key Week 5 matchup.

Philadelphia Eagles Offense:

Quarterback Donovan McNabb has taken a beating from opposing pass rushers, but the veteran signal caller is fighting through the injuries and looks to start against the Washington Redskins. As age takes its toll, Donovan McNabb has transformed into a great pocket passer. WR DeSean Jackson is both tiny in size and a rookie, but he has the ability to be the best receiver in Philadelphia since Terrell Owens. RB Brian Westbrook is usually the key weapon in the Philadelphia Eagles arsenal but is injured. Backup Correll Buckhalter fills in admirably.

Philadelphia Eagles Defense:

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson runs more blitzes from his 4-3 than most 3-4 coaches even think about. An athletic defensive line led by the likes of Broderick Bunkley, Darren Howard, and Trent Cole gives the Philadelphia Eagles an ability to stunt and maneuver like no other 4-3 defense. LBs like Chris Gocong and Omar Gaither give up size and power for speed and athleticism. The Philadelphia Eagles also boast a great secondary with CBs Sheldon Brown, Asante Samuel, and Lito Shepherd covering so well that a constant stream of blitzes is possible.

Washington Redskins Offense:

New head coach Jim Zorn comes over from the Seattle Seahawks and incorporates the same West Coast offense into the Washington Redskins. RB Clinton Portis may be the best player on the Washington Redskins roster, but the offense has switched to a powerful passing game. QB Jason Campbell is developing nicely in the system and has become a true leader. TE Chris Cooley is the main target for Jason Campbell, but wideouts like Santana Moss, Devin Thomas, James Thrash, and Antwaan Randle El are evolving into West Coast monsters.

Washington Redskins Defense:

Defensive end Jason Taylor is the best player on the Washington Redskins defense but has been hurt. Veteran DE Andre Carter plays the other side of the line and makes a great bookend with Jason Taylor. MLB London Fletcher commands the Washington Redskins defense and is a playmaker as well. FS LaRon Landry is one of the best athletes in the NFL, and his mere presence in the secondary causes fear among receivers. CB Shawn Springs is not a young man but shut down Terrell Owens nonetheless. Rookie SS Chris Horton is a star in the making.

Philadelphia Eagles Keys to Victory:

The Washington Redskins shut down Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys passing attack so the Philadelphia Eagles will adjust their offense accordingly. A double recipe of the running game can be used to counter the great secondary of the Washington Redskins. RB Brian Westbrook may be injured, but backup Correll Buckhalter can do the same as the superstar RB, even if it is at a lower level. DeSean Jackson is a great young receiver but will need veterans to step up. Donovan McNabb must be protected to allow his air domination of the Washington Redskins.

Getting to Jason Campbell will be atop the list for the Philadelphia Eagles defenses. The Washington Redskins have a veteran offensive line so they will not be suckered easily. Jim Johnson must dial in some exotic blitzes to get into Jason Campbell’s head. CB Asante Samuel made a lot of money and interceptions by specializing in shutting down the West Coast offense and will be a key factor. The Philadelphia Eagles secondary must be physical with the receivers and bump them off their short routes and timing, a great way to short-circuit the West Coast offense.

Washington Redskins Keys to Victory:

The West Coast offense of the Washington Redskins is based on timing and the relationship between quarterback and his receivers. To preserve this rhythm, the Washington Redskins must protect Donovan McNabb from the Philadelphia Eagles litany of blitzes. The Washington Redskins receivers must keep to their routes and not allow the opposing secondary to disrupt their timing. RB Clinton Portis can do his part to protect Jason Campbell by establishing the run game. TE Chris Cooley will be the wildcard weapon for the Washington Redskins.   

A healthy Jason Taylor will make a world of difference for the Washington Redskins defense as he can destroy opposing gameplans all on his own. The linebackers of the Washington Redskins also need to be on their toes to keep an eye on the pass-catching running backs of the Philadelphia Eagles. S LaRon Landry will be the most important player on the Washington Redskins defense as he can crush RBs, intimidate WRs, and shut down TEs. SS Chris Horton must cover more as LaRon Landry drops down into the box.

Eagles vs. Redskins Outlook:

The NFC East has four great teams that are honest Super Bowl contenders. The talent level may vary from team to team, but each has the ability to beat the other three. The Philadelphia Eagles have the toughness and veteran leadership to climb out from any hole and fight back from any deficit. The Washington Redskins have plenty of young talent and a fresh head coach ready to make his mark on the NFL.

Injuries have also impacted both teams greatly, but the Philadelphia Eagles have felt the blow harder. Donovan McNabb is battling a horrific chest bruise and Brian Westbrook is hobbled as well. These two injuries loom large on the Philadelphia Eagles depth chart and impact their offensive game plan. Donovan McNabb will play through the pain but will not be 100 percent. The Washington Redskins are fresh off their victory over the Dallas Cowboys and are hungry for more NFC East victory. A healthy and motivated Washington Redskins have an edge on the banged-up Philadelphia Eagles.