Week 2 Featured Preview
September 17th, 2007 1:49 am
by
Pro Set
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Washington @ Philadelphia 8:30 ET on ESPN
When Washington has the ball, the loss of T Jon Jansen to a season-ending broken ankle will be keenly felt. Although some feel that Jansen is overrated, he is a real presence in run-blocking and has great experience in facing the Philadelphia blitzes: an attribute not shared by WSH QB Jason Campbell.
I expect that both RB Clinton Portis and RB Ladell Betts will need to have huge performances for the Redskins to win. Portis must control the game by attacking the Eagles on early downs. If I were Joe Gibbs I would look to quicker, slashing running plays rather than slower traps or counters. With the amount of movement and variation in the pre-snap looks of the PHI defense, it is better to run straight at them and make them react and tackle, hopefully from out of position, rather than letting them come at you.
The WSH passing game cannot be expected to carry this offense. As talented and fast as WR Antwaan Randle El and WR Santana Moss are, Jason Campbell must be careful of the range of FS Brian Dawkins, as well as the Eagles pass rush. Do not be surprised if the Redskins attemtpt a trick play or two in the passing game.
For PHI, patience is the key. Assuming that the special teams disasters of Week 1 are eliminated, the WSH offense will simply not be good enough to win the game without turnover help. I thought that QB Donovan McNabb played quite well last week, despite the poor completion percentage. He made the right reads, did not force passes, and led the Eagles to a run of three solid scoring drives.
Philadelphia should concentrate on a conservative game plan against the WSH defense. I would pound the rock with RB Brian Westbrook and RB Correll Buckhalter. The WSH defense is prove to concentration lapses and will get impatient unless it can create the big sack or turnover. Last week I felt that PHI underused the backs in the passing game. If PHI rectifies this, and McNabb throws for even 55% with no picks, PHI will score enough points to win at home.
Overall, PHI looks too good on both sides of the ball. They cost themselves a road win against a good Packers team last week and so this divisional home game is a must-win. Although I still have doubts over PHI coach Andy Reid under pressure and in tricky clock situations, I am convinced that his players should be good enough to get the job done.
Prediction: PHI
Line: PHI
Posted in Andy Reid, Antwaan Randle El, Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook, Clinton Portis, Correll Buckhalter, ESPN, Jason Campbell, Joe Gibbs, Jon Jansen, Ladell Betts, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Game Previews, NFL on television, Santana Moss |
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