MNF: Eagles Perspective

Players to Watch

QB Michael Vick- One of the most excited players in the game, he gets another chance at beating the Redskins after he left the 1^st game with a rib injury that kept him out for 3 weeks. He showed against the Colts last week that his MVP-type season through his first 4 weeks was no fluke. Perhaps most impressive about Vick’s resurrection is that he has no interceptions so far on the year, and his completion percentage is over 60%, two things that have plagued Vick previously. Vick will continue his more balanced approach to quarterbacking, and look for a big game for him through the air against the league’s 2^nd worst passing defense.

WR DeSean Jackson- The speedy receiver had one of his best games last week and will try to put together back-to-back 100 yard receiving games for the 2^nd time this year. As mentioned before, the Redskins are vulnerable to the pass, which is great news for one of the greatest young receivers in the league.

CB Asante Samuel- The consistent veteran is once again a nightmare for opposing QBs and has 5 interceptions in his last 5 games. McNabb just received a 5 year contract extension with Washington for $78 million and Samuel will make McNabb earn it tonight. Santana Moss receives a lot of targets from McNabb, so look for Samuel to try to jump some routes.

Key Matchup: LeSean McCoy vs. Albert Haynesworth- It’s easy to forget the Eagles’ young running back in an offense full of exciting players, but McCoy is crucial to Andy Reid’s style of offense. Averaging 4.7 ypc, McCoy’s success has opened up the passing game for the Eagles, and is also an excellent option on screens. Haynesworth has shown improvement every week, but if McCoy is able to pound in through on the ground against him, look for the entire Eagles offense to have a big game.

Why the Eagles Will Win- The Eagles likely would have won the first matchup if it weren’t for the injury to Vick. Philadelphia has far more talent on both sides of the ball and their playmakers are healthy. They have been playing good football as of late, while the bye will not be able to solve the problems the Redskins experienced in their loss to the Lions. McNabb was lucky to get one win against his former team, but will find that the Eagles are just too good a team to beat twice.

Prediction: Eagles 31, Redskins 17