The 3-1 Redskins take on the 1-4 Eagles on Sunday at FedEx Field in a match up you would think would be clearly in the favor of the team with the better record.
This is not the case. The Eagles are actually favored in the game, and a lot of “experts” still think they have a decent shot to win the division. The “Dream Team” is no more, but the hype is still there. All you have to do is look at all the big names they brought in last offseason. They still have Michael Vick, Desean Jackson, and Lesean McCoy.
This is the definition of a “trap” game for the Redskins. It’s more than that. It’s truly a “statement” game. If they can beat the Eagles, they’ll improve to 4-1 while pushing the Eagles to 1-5, virtually mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
If the Redskins want to win this game, it’s not going to be on the arm of Rex Grossman. Mike and Kyle Shanahan would prefer for Rex to simply manage the game, minimize mistakes, and control the ball.
Obviously, the defense will need to continue to be as strong as it’s been all season. They’ll have to contain Michael Vick and smother him with pressure. They’ll have to keep McCoy and Jackson from making big plays, and they’ll have to force turnovers.
But the main factor in Sunday’s game is going to be the running game.
The Eagles have been a mess this year, particularly on defense, and the weakest part of the defense has been the linebacking corps and the run defense.
The Redskins have a distinct advantage in this area. They have a three-headed rushing attack consisting of a bruising, hard runner in Ryan Torain, a pass-catching, pass-protecting back in Tim Hightower, and a game-breaker in rookie Roy Helu.
Hightower has been battling a shoulder injury, but it looks like he’ll play.
If the defense can keep them in the game and the offense sticks with the rushing attack, the Redskins should win this game.
And I think they will do all three.
HTTR.
Buy Washington Redskins Tickets | Buy Washington Redskins Apparel
