Eagles and Redskins Meet on Big Stage
By author
As Donovan McNabb makes his return to Philadelphia, the drama is palpable. Whether it’s the energy on sports talk radio leading up to the game, the chaos amongst tailgaters outside Lincoln Financial Field, or the numerous storylines at play, there’s no denying this is a game of massive importance.
First and foremost, McNabb is making his first return to the city he led to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl loss, appearing in front of a fan base that was polarized around him for many of his 11 years in Philadelphia.
Less discussed, but of much interest as well, Michael Vick is making his first home start. Fans were certainly split when the former Falcon was given a second chance with the Eagles, and Vick still has his detractors. Don’t be shocked if both starters hear a few boos from the crowd today.
So while both quarterbacks surely view this as a game of extreme importance on a personal level, whether they’ll admit it or not, this game could also be a turning point within an NFC East division that is off to a shaky start top to bottom.
The Eagles, despite their switch at quarterback and a slew of injuries, are in control early on at 2-1. The 1-2 Redskins risk seeing their season go into a tailspin today, with the Packers, Colts and Bears up next on their schedule. The Giants are in a similar situation at 1-2 with a showdown with the 3-0 Bears tonight. Meanwhile, the Cowboys sit idle, their 1-2 start looking less and less disastrous.
A win would certainly put the Eagles in the catbird’s seat and leave the Redskins reeling, but a loss leaves the division as wide open as one could have imagined at this point in the season.
While the much-hyped quarterback play will be a large factor today, don’t forget about the defenses. The Redskins come into the game dead last in the league in total defense and next to last against the pass.
That bodes well for Vick and his pass-happy head coach, Andy Reid. With targets like DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin going up against a defense vulnerable to the pass despite the likes of Laron Landry and Deangelo Hall in the secondary, expect the Eagles to throw, throw and throw some more – a formula Donovan McNabb knows a thing or two about.
The former Eagle’s matchups won’t be so favorable though, with his targets lacking. Santana Moss has 22 catches for 290 yards and a touchdown, but is likely to see a lot of double coverage this afternoon.
If the Eagles can take away tight end Chris Cooley, McNabb’s best remaining option will be limited to an over-the-hill Joey Galloway. Then again, the Eagles defense typically struggles against good tight ends.
It remains to be seen how big of a role McNabb’s knowledge of the Eagles’ defense will play this afternoon. The Birds insist enough has changed that he won’t have an advantage, but what else would they say? If the Redskins offense is going to have a big afternoon, McNabb is going to need to have his best game to date in the burgundy and gold.
That’s not saying a ton, since McNabb hasn’t thrown more than one touchdown in a game this season, despite putting up a 426 yard outing against Houston. At the end of the day though, what’s truly at stake has less to do with Number Five’s reputation and more to do with his new team’s season, as the Redskins come into Week 4 up against the ropes and the Eagles have a chance for a knockout punch.