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The Washington Redskins’ dreams of a ‘Cinderella season’ in which rookie QB Robert Griffin III (RGIII) leads them to a post-season appearance have become very real possibilities.
With a modest win over their divisional-rival Philadelphia Eagles, the ‘Skins now control their own destiny, as they will clinch a playoff spot and an NFC East Championship title with a victory in Week 17 against their streaking divisional foe, the Dallas Cowboys.
It should go without saying that the Cowboys are sure to put up a much better fight than the ever-sputtering Eagles.
The Eagles’ glaring absence in their team this afternoon was very clearly their non-existent and under-utilized running game. Starting RB LeSean McCoy returned this week, but was only able to manage a bland 45 yards rushing on 13 carries. McCoy did prove to be a factor in the Eagles’ passing game with 9 catches for 77 yards.
While all of the check-down and dump-off passes from QB Nick Foles do put an attractive stat line, an above average performance in the running game is always expected out of McCoy.
Backup RBs Bryce Brown and Dion Lewis were no real factors for the Eagles either, combining for just 35 yards on a limited 5 carries. Lewis did contribute to the point tally, scoring on a 17-yard touchdown run on his only handle.
Foles had a mediocre day through the air with 345 yards passing and a touchdown, even though a lot of his numbers were posted during late-game passing drives against ‘prevent’ style defensive looks. Foles also committed two turnovers on the day with an interception and a lost fumble.
RGIII did not have an explosive or noteworthy performance at all on afternoon, but he did do enough to lead his team into a prime position to win their division.
Griffin was unusually sloppy with the ball today, throwing one interception and losing hold of one fumble, nearly jeopardizing the Redskins very likely playoff berth. The QB was bottled up completely in the running game with 4 rushing yards on just two carries, while completing 16 of 24 passes for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Griffin also fumbled once on the game, but was bailed out on a recovery by ‘Skins WR Santana Moss. While WR Pierre Garcon was the focal point of the Redskins’ passing offense on Sunday, Moss was able to snag a game-clinching 22-yard touchdown pass.
Redskins RB Alfred Morris continues to co-lead the Redskins’ playoff push, running for a very solid 91 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries against the Eagles. The rushing score was the rookie’s 10th in his debut NFL season.
Even though it was a convincing win by the Redskins, the Eagles did come out to play and were not as much of a mess as they usually are. It has become apparent that defenses must force RGIII to make mistakes in order to beat him.
While the Redskins are on top of the world right now, gunning for a playoff push and an NFC East title, the Eagles just can’t wait for this horrendous 5-11 season to finally coming to an end.
Please follow Joe on Twitter @Joe_RantNFL for all Eagles/NFL insight.
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