Redskins vs. Eagles, part one: Preview, matchups to watch, and more
By Ian Cummings
Redskins defense vs. Eagles offense
From the start of the offseason, it was well known that the Redskins would be a defense-oriented team. Their defense is their strength, and even after Reuben Foster went down with a torn ACL, that didn’t change. It speaks to just how uncertain things are on the offensive side of the ball, but Washington’s defense is good enough to turn some heads, either way.
Just how good Washington’s defense is remains to be seen. Some have postulated that the unit has top ten, or even top five, potential, but for now, simply reverting to top sixteen feels like a more reasonable assumption. The Redskins defensive front is the team’s greatest strength, and against the Eagles journeyman left guard Isaac Seumalo, Washington’s fearsome interior trio should be able to generate some pressure. Jason Kelce versus Daron Payne will be a can’t-miss heavyweight matchup one spot to the right.
Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat have the traits to trade blows with Philadelphia’s impressive tackle duo, but how the second and third levels of the defense perform will truly be key. Philadelphia has a massive array of offensive weapons. From running back to tight end, they’re stocked to the brim with dangerous, versatile talent, and Washington’s back segment will have a tough challenge ahead of them.
Tight ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert represent a striking mismatch against Washington’s unproven linebacking core, and in the secondary, Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, Landon Collins, and Montae Nicholson will face a skill position group with size and speed alike. Overall, Philadelphia still has the edge in this head-to-head, but Washington’s defensive front can at least make this a respectable fight.