Redskins vs. Eagles, part one: Preview, matchups to watch, and more
By Ian Cummings
Redskins offense vs. Eagles defense
I’ll be candid here. This matchup does not bode well for the Redskins.
The core of the mismatch rests on the offensive line, the engine of the modern offense. As much as I like to acknowledge Ereck Flowers‘ redeeming qualities, he’s not ready to face a defensive interior that consists of Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson. Pressure will be consistent from the left center, and from the far left, where an acclimating 36-year old Donald Penn may find himself facing long odds against efficient edge rusher Brandon Graham.
Elsewhere, the Eagles boast a stellar linebacker duo in Nigel Bradham and Zach Brown; Brown was a Redskins starter for much of last year, and he’ll likely come into this matchup with a chip on his shoulder, and a better defensive scheme to utilize his talents. There’s also the Eagles secondary, a reliable unit that features upstart cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Avonte Maddox, versatile chess piece Malcolm Jenkins, and veteran safety Rodney McLeod, among others.
The Redskins would, in theory, need to beat Philadelphia with superior scheming. But they’ve already displayed a desire to field a run-first offense, which means, more likely than not, they’ll find themselves in a surplus of second and third-and-long situations, not because of Derrius Guice, but because of the inconsistency of their offensive line and the predictability of their game plan. Against a stalwart Eagles defense, clinging to an identity may see the Redskins fall behind early, and the offense isn’t built to come back from behind.
Even at its highest moments, there has been uncertainty surrounding the Redskins 2019 offense. Against the Eagles, they’ll ultimately find themselves in a position where they need Case Keenum, never one to carry a unit, and still gaining chemistry with his young receivers, to bring them back from a deficit. With this supporting cast, against the unit in Philadelphia, that’s a lot easier said than done. Washington’s offense will struggle mightily in Week 1, but by extension, they’ll know what to work on for Week 2.