Philadelphia Eagles versus Washinton Redskins: 5 areas to watch

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles shakes hands with head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins after the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 16: Ryan Kerrigan rips the jersey of quarterback Carson Wentz /

1. Lane Johnson versus Ryan Kerrigan

This, without question, will have a dramatic effect on the outcome of Sunday’s game. It’s almost unfair to keep bringing this up at this point, but you have to reference the monster day that Ryan Kerrigan had against Halapoulivaati Vaitai in 2016’s contest at FedExField.

It’s unfair because Lane Johnson was serving a suspension, and Vaitai was a rookie at that time, but it’s also completely necessary because it’s an example of how much of a game-changer that Kerrigan is.

Johnson was asked about what it’s like to compete against Kerrigan earlier this week. His answer? ‘It sucks’. Anyone watching would imagine that to be an accurate description. Kerrigan lines up in the left side of the Redskins’ 3-4 defensive formation normally. That would make him Johnson’s responsibility.

If Kerrigan gets off to a fast start, you may see a long day for Carson Wentz. and QB1’s eyes might drift from downfield to the Redskins’ pass rush. That’s what Philly doesn’t want.

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