Redskins vs. Eagles, part 2: 5 keys to victory in Week 17

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 03: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #20 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 28-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4. Redskins must do a better job on Zach Ertz this time

Zach Ertz is one of the best tight ends in the league. He was unstoppable in the first game as he caught almost everything that was thrown his way, finishing with 9 catches for 83-yards on ten targets. The Redskins didn’t have an answer for him.

Both Mason Foster and Zach Brown, who was benched a few weeks earlier, have been liabilities in coverage this year and with the release of D.J. Swearinger, they now lack a real playmaker in the middle of the field as Ha Ha Clinton-Dix has not played well since coming over from Green Bay.

They must do a better job limiting his production this game. Even with the trade for Golden Tate, the Eagles do not have elite playmakers on the outside. Alshon Jeffrey is a solid receiver who will win a decent amount of 50-50 balls and Nelson Agholor will provide some inside production as well, but Ertz is the one that needs to be keyed on this game as he is their best player.

Ertz is very athletic so jamming him at the line to prevent a clean release, doubling him, and mixing up coverages between man and zone are some options. If the Redskins can find a way to take Ertz out of this game and make Foles go elsewhere with the ball, they will be in excellent shape.

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