Washington Football Team vs. Eagles Week 17 preview, score prediction
By Ian Cummings
Washington Football Team offense vs. Eagles defense
A lot depends on the final injury report this week. That’s not something you want to hear when you’re playing for a division championship, but that’s where we are. Alex Smith, Antonio Gibson, and Terry McLaurin are all dealing with injuries.
Gibson is the most likely to play after suiting up last week against the Panthers. Additionally, Smith took the first-team reps at practice on Thursday, inferring that he’s making progress. But unless the Washington Football Team’s quarterback is at 100%, Washington might instead go with Taylor Heinicke.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course. Smith has the sheer ability to win that is valued, especially in this kind of situation. But Heinicke played well on short notice last week, and if he has to go out there again, he has the athleticism and playmaking potential to maybe inject life into an offense that’s been iffy even with Alex Smith.
Heinicke played well without McLaurin in Week 16, so one can assume he’d be able to live without him again. But whoever plays at quarterback must be mindful of the pocket stability. The Eagles’ coverage game is subpar, so there are bound to be opportunities for receivers and tight ends. But their pass rush is very underrated.
The Eagles’ defense has the fifth-highest pressure rate in the league. Josh Sweat has played very well as a rotational pass rusher, and regulars like Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox also have at least 6.5 sacks each. Cox appears questionable with a neck injury, so if he can’t go, it would be a big boost for Washington’s offensive line, which has already performed better than expected.
One thing to watch, however, is the status of left guard Wes Schweitzer. Schweitzer has played well enough this season to put his hat in the ring for the long-term left guard job, but he was a DNP on both Wednesday and Thursday with a hip injury. If he can’t play, Wes Martin might be the one to take his place at left guard. He didn’t inspire confidence earlier this year.
The matchup in the trenches is key for the Washington Football Team. If Washington’s line can give either Smith or Heinicke time to throw, and if they can keep their running backs clean, they can generate a respectable performance from Washington’s offense. That might be all they need. Logan Thomas could have a day against Philadelphia’s suspect linebacker group, and the secondary gives the receivers a chance to win big as well.