Redskins vs. Eagles preview: Matchups to watch, score prediction
Redskins defense vs. Eagles offense
The Redskins should have a chance to beat the Eagles on the defensive side of the ball. Not only has their stop unit looked great in recent weeks, but the Eagles are dealing with injury issues that could weaken their offense.
Last week against the New York Giants, the Eagles lost Alshon Jeffery (foot) for the season. Without him and an injured Nelson Agholor, the team had to rely on Greg Ward and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside as their only two receiving options. While the team may get Agholor back and did call up former Redskins receiver Robert Davis from their practice squad, it still will be difficult for them to gain a lot of separation against the Redskins corners.
Fabian Moreau has played much better this season since moving to the outside. Across from him, Quinton Dunbar is playing at a Pro-Bowl level, though he may ultimately be questionable for this contest as he deals with a hamstring injury. But still, even without Dunbar for half of last week’s game against the Packers, they were still able to limit the Packers’ receivers. So, they’ll have a chance to do the same against Philadelphia’s weaker unit.
Washington Commanders
That said, the ‘Skins may have more trouble containing Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert at tight end. Jimmy Graham got open against them frequently last week, so the Eagles may be beset served to attack their defense over the middle with these guys.
Of course, part of the key on this side of the ball will be Carson Wentz‘s performance. He has had his share of struggles this season and if he finds himself under pressure, it could make it very difficult for the Eagles to move the ball. The Eagles may be without right tackle Lane Johnson, their best offensive lineman, so that could open up an opportunity for Montez Sweat to win on the edge. And on the inside, Matt Ioannidis, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne will find ways to win at the point of attack and get heat on Wentz.
Even without Ryan Kerrigan (calf), the pass rush should be an area of strength for Washington. But the biggest matchup to watch will be Sweat against the Eagles right tackle. If Johnson is out, Halapoulivaati Vaitai will take over for him. Vaitai, commonly known as “Big V”, has committed three penalties and allowed two sacks in just 253 snaps, so if Sweat can use his length and athleticism to rattle him, that would be huge for the Redskins.
The Redskins front seven should also be able to limit the Eagles on the ground. Jordan Howard is still dealing with a shoulder injury, so Miles Sanders and Boston Scott may end up having to carry the load once again. The ‘Skins D-Line should be able to limit those guys as well.
Overall, the advantage here should lie with the ‘Skins, especially if Johnson is out. We’ll see what happens, but the banged-up Eagles offense had issues with the Giants last week. So there’s no reason to expect them to improve significantly against the Redskins.