Redskins: Keys to beating the Eagles

Sep 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) runs past Washington Redskins inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins, 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

5. Stop the Eagles running attack

In the Eagles two losses this season they combined just 70 yards rushing in the two games.  That’s the complete opposite of the 123 yards rushing they had in their week 3 win over the New York Jets.

Their star free agent signing running back DeMarco Murray didn’t even play in that game and the Eagles were led in rushing by their other free agent running back Ryan Mathews who was actually signed by the Eagles before Murray was.

However, if Murray plays then you can bet he’ll see his share of carries as he’s had a lot of success against the Redskins in the past when he was with the Dallas Cowboys.  Darren Spoles is another option the Eagles can turn to.

But the Redskins have played well against the run so far this season holding teams to just 75 yards rushing per game which is third in the NFL.  If the Redskins can limit the Eagles running game, then that means quarterback Sam Bradford will have to do more passing.

Considering that Bradford hasn’t been very good this year, then the more he has to do to win, the better off the Redskins will be.  If other teams are daring Kirk Cousins to beat them, then the Redskins must do dare Sam Bradford by shutting down the Eagles running game.

Next: 6. Redskins need a home field advantage