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Previewing Redskins Week 7 matchup vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

By Jacob Camenker

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins yells from the sidelines during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins yells from the sidelines during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 11: Trey Burton #47 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against Bashaud Breeland #26 of the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 11: Trey Burton #47 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against Bashaud Breeland #26 of the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Redskins defense vs. Eagles offense

In the first matchup between the two sides, the Redskins did well to contain the Eagles defense. They focused on containing the top receivers for the Eagles and that was a good strategy. Aside from a 58 yard touchdown to Nelson Agholor at the start of the contest, the Eagles weren’t able to get into a consistent rhythm on the edge thanks to the performances of Bashaud Breeland and Josh Norman.

However, this week the duo may not be around to lock down Alshon Jeffery and company. Norman is dealing with a rib injury and was out last week while Breeland injured his MCL against the 49ers. If neither is able to play, Jeffery could be poised to have a nice game while Agholor will be able to do damage outside as well.

Also, the Redskins have struggled to cover tight ends this season, so matching up with Zach Ertz could be a problem. The team’s safeties are banged up and the linebackers are not quite quick enough to keep pace with more athletic targets. Ertz could have big day as a result unless the Redskins develop a new plan to keep him covered.

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Since the last time these two teams did battle, the Eagles running game has changed a bit. While LeGarrette Blount is still the lead back, the team lost Darren Sproles for the year due to an injury. In his stead, Wendell Smallwood has taken on a bigger role as a receiving back and he has done well in it. He has essentially replaced Sproles’ production when on the field. However, Smallwood has dealt with swelling in his knee and missed the past couple weeks with the injury. He should suit up on Monday, but it’s hard to know how effective he’ll be.

The Redskins should focus on slowing down Blount to start the contest. They are going to be without rookie Jonathan Allen due to a Lisfranc sprain he suffered. Because of this, Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain will get more snaps, and both very good run stuffers. Slowing Blount could prove to be crucial as they look to render the Eagles offense one dimensional.

Still, it’s hard to picture a scenario where the Redskins win on defense. Though their unit fared well in the season opener, they have suffered too many injuries to keep pace with the high flying Eagles offense. Allowing a few touchdowns wouldn’t be a surprise, and the team may allow the Eagles to put up 30 points again.

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