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)
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 – DECEMBER 30: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a pass for a touchdown against Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on December 30, 2018, in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 30: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a pass for a touchdown against Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on December 30, 2018, in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

3. Josh Norman versus Alshon Jeffery?

This one’s obvious. All Spring and Summer, we’ve talked about the Eagles receivers. Now, we get to see these ‘well-oiled machines’ in action. Typically, Josh Norman has been given the duty of following Alshon Jeffery around, but will that change with DeSean Jackson‘s arrival.

Norman’s appeared in 46 games since arriving in D.C. with 45 starts. That covers three seasons. He’s added six interceptions, 37 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries to his resume. Add that to 195 tackles (139 were solo and three of them have resulted in a loss).

Whoever Norman covers will have to work a tad bit harder, but here’s where Philly wins. The Redskins have to cover everybody else with Quinton Dunbar, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Keep in mind Fabian Moreau is out. That’s where Philly will find some opportunities to make some huge plays.

Keep an eye on this storyline on Sunday. You can best believe the announcers will do quite a bit of talking about it.

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