2. The Eagles pass rush versus the Redskins O-line.
Trent Williams didn’t show up for practice for the Redskins on Wednesday or Thursday. That wasn’t much of a surprise, but it’s terrible news for a Redskins offensive line that will probably trot Donald Penn out in his place.
Now Donald Penn is no slouch. He’s started 174 games of a 178-game career, but he’s also 36 years old and will be asked to help neutralize a slew of defensive ends in Philly’s rotation. No one’s sure if Derek Barnett will be available on Sunday. He did practice on Thursday, but he was limited.
If Barnett can’t go we may have a ‘Skins and Eagles draw at kickoff as both will be missing a starter, but if Barnett is available, give a slight edge to Philly. Then again, ‘The Birds’ have Josh Sweat, Daeshon Hall, Vinny Curry, and Brandon Graham on the outside as well. That may give them a competitive advantage as they’ll be able to keep guys fresh.
Brandon Scherff is a stud too. He plays right guard for Washington. The mix of Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson and Timmy Jernigan could wear him down over the course of four quarters. Philly’s pass rush could have a big day on Sunday.