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Your In-Depth Eagles vs. Redskins Week 14 Preview

Adrian Fedkiw|

How about some fight, some passion, some life?

That’s all I’m asking for out of the Philadelphia Eagles at this point when they square off against the Washington Redskins on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field.

But are we going to get it?

EAGLES PASSING GAME VS. REDSKINS PASS DEFENSE

PHI- 79.9 Passer Rating (25/32), 228 YPG (23/32)
WAS- 95.0 Passer Rating allowed (22/32), 255 YPG allowed (18/32)

Carson Wentz’s mechanical flaws remain the same. He’s still staring receivers down,still throwing into double and triple coverage, still not setting his feet in the pocket and still airmailing the seam routes.

One of the reasons why Pederson wanted to sit Wentz during the season was so he could continuously work on the mechanics. While I feel that playing experience is more important, it’s a bit concerning that there hasn’t been progression, especially with two former NFL quarterbacks, Pederson and offensive coordinator Frank Reich, and quarterbacks coach John DeFillippo mentoring him.

It’ll be imperative that these issues get corrected in the offseason.

Since the Eagles are essentially out of the playoff race, it’s that time of year to see what some of the young players can provide for next season. I want to see Paul Turner get an abundance of playing time and see how he follows up last week’s performance when he caught six passes for 80 yards. Let’s see what he can do when the outcome isn’t already decided.

Jordan Matthews returned to practice Wednesday on a limited bases and is expected to play Sunday. Matthews has 57 receptions for 686 yards and 3 touchdowns this season, leading all Eagles receivers in those categories.

And how about we see some effort out of Zach Ertz!

EAGLES RUNNING GAME VS. REDSKINS RUN DEFENSE

PHI- 4.2 YPC (13/32), 109.8 YPG (10/32)
WAS- 4.6 YPC allowed (29/32), 114.3 YPG allowed (22/32)

Grant it, the Eagles fell behind early, but 60 pass attempts as opposed to just 19 runs in that loss to the Bengals?!

And grant it, the Eagles couldn’t establish any type of running game going against the 26th ranked defense in terms of yards per carry allowed (4.4). Wendell Smallwood carried the ball eight times for 19 yards, while Darren Sproles toted it seven times for 14 yards and a score. In all they rushed it 19 times for 53 yards and a measly 2.8 yards per carry average.

Kenjon Barner had a 61-yard kickoff return late in the third quarter. He’s averaging 5.1 yards per carry, but didn’t carry the ball once despite Smallwood and Sproles struggles. I’d like to see him get a more extensive look.

Ryan Mathews returned to practice fully Wednesday after spraining his MCL and is expected to play. When the Eagles have success, it’s because they have an even pass/run ratio and controlling the clock. Kind of like when they ran for over 200 yards against the Atlanta Falcons in their last win. Philly possessed the ball for 38:10.

REDSKINS PASSING GAME VS. EAGLES PASS DEFENSE

PHI- 90.4 Passer Rating allowed (17/32), 245 YPG allowed (13/32)
WAS- 99.8 Passer Rating (8/32), 309 YPG (2/32)

The defensive line has flatlined. After recording 20 sacks over their first six games, they’ve gotten to the quarterback just six times over their last six. Then there’s the secondary. Going up against a receiving core without star wideout A.J. Green, Andy Dalton still went 23-of-31 for 332 yards and two touchdowns. That’s a passer rating of 130.0 to go with a 74 percent completion percentage. When the defensive line can’t pressure the quarterback, the lowly cornerbacks get exposed.

To negate that pressure from the defensive line, opposing quarterbacks are getting rid of the ball fast and Kirk Cousins has a quick release. This has been the game plan from offensive coordinators for a while now. So the low sack totals can be attributed to that and teams keeping more players in to block because defensive coordinator likes to bring four a majority of the time. Schwartz attempted 17 blitzes Sunday, but the Eagles still couldn’t get to Dalton.

Cousins has proven that last season wasn’t a fluke. He’s posted a quarterback rating of 99.6 to go with 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions so far this year. His arm strength isn’t necessarily great, but can make all the throws. Mechanically, Cousins showcases good footwork and his balance while throwing on the run is solid.

Tight end Jordan Reed is Cousin’s favorite target. He’s got quick feet and accelerates well in and out of his breaks. He also has a good grasp of how to use the space on the field. Blocking can be a problem for Reed because he is a smaller tight end. He’s not strong enough to be at the end of the line and be asked to play power football and push defenders backwards. He’s at his best when he’s asked to crack block.

DeSean Jackson is still a speed demon and Pierre Garcon is still producing, but it’s been second-year wideout Jamison Crowder that’s taken a huge leap forward this season. He has 58 receptions for 767 yards and seven touchdowns so far in 2016.

 

REDSKINS RUNNING GAME VS. EAGLES RUN DEFENSE

PHI- 4.1 YPC allowed (22/32), 100.9 YPG allowed (16/32)
WAS- 4.5 YPC (5/32), 109.5 YPG (11/32)

Rookie Rob Kelley has emerged as the Redskins’ top back, running for 524 yards and four touchdowns to go with a glistening 4.7 yards per carry average. He began to emerge during Washington’s 27-20 win over the Eagles in Week 5 when he carried the ball five times for 59 yards.

The Eagles’ run defense has been a lot better the last month or so, allowing just 368 yards total over their last five games.

 

PREDICTION- The Redskins will make it five wins in a row against the Eagles on Sunday. Since its 3-0 start, Philadelphia’s 2-7 record would be the third worst in the NFL behind the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. It’s gotten ugly fast, the team hasn’t even been competitive the last two weeks and I think it’s going to be a long and tumultuous final month of the season.

Redskins 30-20

 

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