Game Preview, Week 13: Redskins at Eagles
November 30, 2018
by Steve Thomas
Boy, it’s been a heck of a couple weeks for the Redskins, hasn’t it? Just as they are poised to take firm control of the NFC East, they proceed to lose two games in a row, one to their bitter rival in ugly fashion, lose their starting quarterback for the season and maybe beyond, and then as the icing on the cake, cause a national media meltdown by being the only team to place a waiver claim on Reuben Foster, who was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence on this past Saturday (I’m not going to rehash that in the preview; if you want the details, read our column here). And now, despite all of that, Washington needs to go on the road to face another division rival, the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football in perhaps the most game of the season so far. It’s never dull in Redskinsland. I can’t lie to you and be hugely positive about this matchup given the circumstances – this is a very tough game. The Eagles have underperformed and been fairly inconsistent all year, nothing like last year’s team, so the Redskins do have a chance to win on Monday; it’s just a tall order and a number of things will have to go right for it to happen. Our full preview begins below.
Game time & location: Monday, December 3, 2018, 8:30 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA; Gates open 7:00 p.m. ET (earlier access to premium seating and facilities); parking lots open 3:30 p.m.
Television: ESPN
Television announcers: Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Booger McFarland and Lisa Salters
DC-area radio: The Team 980
Redskins radio network: Click here
Cowboys radio network: Click here
Satellite radio: XM: 226 / 88 (Redskins broad. / Nat’l broad.) Sirius: 81 / 88 (Redskins broad / Nat’l broad.); internet: 831 (Redskins broad.)
Redskins roster: Click here
Redskins depth chart: Click here
Eagles roster: Click here
Eagles depth chart: Click here
All-time head-to-head record vs Eagles: 85 – 76 – 6 (last 10: 5 – 5) (streak: 0 – 2)
Last meeting: L, October 23, 2017, 24 – 34
Early odds: Eagles, -6.5
3 KEYS TO THE GAME
Forget the noise and just play football
The Redskins have been through quite a bit of bad and/or controversial recently, including a boatload of injuries. The most important key to this game is for the players and coaches to forget about everything that’s happened to this franchise and get back to playing solid fundamental football on both sides of the ball. In order to win, it is vital that the Redskins not let the moment be too big for them, as has happened many times, and play relatively mistake-free football on both sides of the ball. With this many extraneous things going on, Washington has a chance to come together as a team and start to play up to their potential again like they did early in the season. This is the single biggest key to the game.
Secondary communication
The secondary, which is supposed to be one of the strengths of the team, has played a significant role in the team’s recent defensive struggles. It is obvious that poor communication amongst the position group has contributed to blown coverages and big plays. Particularly this week, with the Redskins about to stare down a Pro Bowl-level quarterback and an elite tight end, improved secondary play is critical. The Redskins will not survive another game with corners out of position in zones and flat-out blown coverages – the Eagles are too capable not to take advantage of those kinds of mistakes. Pay close attention to whether the corners and safeties seem to be handling the Eagles passing attack well, or not.
Remember the offense that got you here
Washington won six games largely on the strength of a strong running attack and short passing game. The running game, led by Adrian Peterson, has essentially disappeared over the past several weeks. The passing game last week strangely featured Colt McCoy slinging the ball all over the field on 5 and 7 step drops. That needs to not continue this week. The Redskins need to stick with what they do well, which is strong offensive line play opening up rushing lanes for Peterson and a short, quick passing game out of play action and with McCoy on the move. If we see another game plan as was featured last week, it could be a long evening on Monday Night Football.
3 KEY MATCHUPS
Zach Ertz vs Mason Foster and Josh Harvey-Clemons
Zach Ertz is the Eagles’ principal target and one of the top receiving tight ends in football. The Redskins historically have let tight ends run wild. Mason Foster has had a tough year in many respects, but this is one week that he and nickel backer Josh Harvey-Clemons need to have a strong days in pass protection. Foster, in particular, has looked slow and out of position at times. If that trend continues on Monday night, Zach Ertz might just have a big day, and that’s something that Washington probably can’t afford. Harvey-Clemons could play a big role in limiting Ertz’s effectiveness and ability to gain yards after the catch. Ertz is the most important player not named Carson Wentz on the Eagles’ offense, and Foster and Harvey-Clemons need to come through. Watch for this matchup.
Michael Bennett vs Trent Williams and Morgan Moses
Michael Bennett is the Eagles’ sack leader and maybe the most dangerous defensive lineman amongst a talented position group. Colt McCoy needs time to operate the offense, particularly if Jay Gruden is going to again insist on having McCoy in 5 and 7 step drops all day. Bennett is technically the right defensive end, but the Eagles will flip him to the left side as necessary, so Moses will also face Bennett. This will be the key battle along the defensive line, so keep an eye out for how well Williams and Moses do against one of the best.
Adrian Peterson vs Tim Jernigan and Fletcher Cox
There’s no getting around the fact that the Redskins need Adrian Peterson to look like the real Adrian Peterson again. Peterson is best when he can hit the interior gaps out of the power I, and Gruden needs to put him in a better position to succeed than he’s done recently, particularly given the injuries along the offensive line. Peterson needs to be able to beat the Eagles’ interior defensive lineman, led by Fletcher Cox and Tim Jernigan, to get to the second level, which is something he hasn’t been able to do much in several weeks. The Eagles defense can be run on, and it starts with Peterson vs the defensive line. If the Redskins are going to win this game, Peterson having a good day is probably job #1.
OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT (as of Saturday (active roster only)) (starters in bold)
LP – limited practice FP – full practice DNP – did not practice
NIR – not injury related Q – questionable O – out
D – doubtful
| Redskins | Eagles |
| LB Z. Brown, knee; Thurs: DNP; Fri: LP; Sat: LP; game: Q | DE M. Bennett, foot; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; Sat: FP; game: Q |
| CB Q. Dunbar, shin; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; Sat: DNP; game: Q | LB J. Hicks, calf; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; Sat: DNP; game: O |
| DL M. Ioannidis, shin; Thurs: DNP; Fri: LP; Sat: LP; game: Q | CB A. Maddox, ankle/knee; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; Sat: DNP; game: O |
| T M. Moses, knee; Thurs: DNP; Fri: LP; Sat: LP; game: Q | CB J. Mills, foot; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; Sat: DNP; game: O |
| RB A. Peterson, shoulder; Thurs: DNP; Fri: LP; Sat: LP; game: Q | T J. Peters, NIR; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; Sat: DNP |
| OL T. Bergstrom, knee; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; Sat: FP | RB J. Adams, hip; Thurs: not listed; Fri: not listed; Sat: LP; game: Q |
| WR J. Crowder, ankle; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; Sat: LP; game: Q | LB N. Bradham, thumb; Thurs: LP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP |
| WR T. Quinn, ankle; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; Sat: DNP; game: Q | G B. Brooks, ankle; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; Sat: FP |
| TE J. Reed, back; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; Sat: LP; game: Q | DT T. Jernigan, illness; Thurs: LP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP |
| LB R. Anderson, wrist; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP | RB D. Sproles, hamstring; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; Sat: FP; game: Q |
| RB K. Bibbs, shoulder; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP | CB R. Douglas, ankle/knee; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP |
| QB C. McCoy, right thumb/left shoulder; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP | CB S. Jones, hamstring; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP |
| RB C. Thompson, rib; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP | CB C. Sullivan, shoulder; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP |
| T T. Williams, thumb; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP; Sat: FP |
TEAM STATISTICS
Redskins:
Colt McCoy’s first full game as starting quarterback actually the Redskins’ passing numbers to dip, not rise, in some areas, and most certainly did not make the offense more efficient than it was under his injured predecessor. The Redskins are 25th in the NFL in passing yards, 29th in yards per attempt, and 27th in quarterback rating, all of which are distressingly bad numbers for a team coached by a supposedly passing-oriented coach. Furthermore, what began the season as a strength, the running game, continues to plummet in effectiveness and efficiency, largely due to the enormous number of injuries. Washington is now 20th in rushing yards per attempt as a team, and Adrian Peterson has fallen off to just 4.1 yards per attempt. Washington spent the bulk of the season at or very near the top of the rankings in time of possession but has fallen in that metric as well in recent weeks, now ranked 10th. Peterson’s total rushing yards is the only major Redskins offensive statistic that remains near the top of the NFL.
The Redskins’ defensive numbers remain in free fall after giving up significant yardage to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. Incredibly, Washington remains in the top 10 in points surrendered (7th), but is now 18th in total yardage, 23rd in passing yardage, and 13th in rushing yards per attempt. The Redskins have been bad on third downs, giving up first downs at a rate of 43.18, which is just 27th in the league. Washington remains a “plus” defense in the red zone (8th in touchdowns surrendred), sacks (11th) and turnovers.
Record: 6 – 5 (1st, tied) (Away: 3 – 2; NFC: 6 – 3) (NFC East: 2 – 1)
All-time franchise record: 599 – 586 – 28
All-time Monday Night Football: 30 – 44 (Last 10: 1 – 9; last 20: 4 – 16; last 30: 6 – 24) (Streak on MNF: 0 – 6)
Last 20 games starting 7:00 pm or later: 5 – 15
Offense
| Offensive rankings | 27 (points) (trend even) / 27 (total yards) (trend -2) / 27 (yards per game) (trend -2) / 28 (yards per play) (trend -2) / 25 (passing yards) (trend even) / 29 (passing yards per att.) (trend -2) / 13 (rushing yards) (trend even) /20 (rushing yards per att.) (trend -7) |
| Points for | 220 |
| Yards per game | 331.5 |
| Passing
|
378 att (19th); 235 comp; 62.2% comp per. (23rd); 6.6 Y/A; 2351 net yds; 13 TD; 8 Int |
| Passing leader | Smith (328 att, 2180 yds (26th), 62.5% comp perc (26th), 10 TDs / 5 Int, 85.7 QB rating (27th) |
| Receiving leader | Reed (537 yds (43rd), 78 tgts (28th), 50 rec (31st), 2 TD, 10.7 YPC) |
| Rushing | 299 att (13th); 1295 yds; 4.3 Y/A; 117.7 Y/G (13th); 10 TD |
| Rushing leader | Peterson (183 att (5th), 758 yds (9th), 6 TD, 4.1 Y/A (35th), long 64) |
| Sacks surrendered / rank | 27 / 14 |
| Ave time of possession / rank | 30:58/ 10 |
| 3rd down conversion rate / rank | 38.1 / 19 |
| TD percentage in red zone / rank | 56.25% / 19 |
Defense
| Defensive rankings | 7 (points) (trend -2) / 18 (total yards) (trend -3) / 18 (yards per game surrendered) (trend -3) / 19 (yards per play) (trend -2) / 23 (passing yards) (trend even) / 23 (passing yards per att.) (trend -2) / 8 (rushing yards) (trend -2) / 13 (rushing yards per att.) (trend +1) |
| Points against | 229 |
| Yards per game surrendered | 361.2 |
| Opponent’s passing | 395 att (22nd); 266 comp; 67.3% comp perc. (24th); 7.8 Y/A; 2870 net yds; 18 TDs; QB Rating 94.2 (17th) |
| Opponent’s rushing | 259 att (7th); 1103 yds; 4.3 Y/A; 9 TD; 100.3 Y/G (8th) |
| Sacks / rank / Sack leader | 32 / 11 / Kerrigan (8.0) |
| Tackles leader | Foster (97) |
| Int / rank / Int leader | 11 / 12th / Swearinger (4) |
| Opponent 3rd down conv rate / rank | 43.18% / 27 |
| Opponent TD percentage in red zone / rank | 50.00% / 8 |
Special Teams
| Kick returns | 19.0 Y/R (31st), 21 returns, long 44 yards (16th), 0 TDs |
| Punt returns | 8.9 Y/R (12th), 9 returns, long 30 yards (17th), 0 TD |
| Kick return defense | 21.7 Y/R (10th), 10 returns, 0 TD |
| Punt return defense | 7.3 Y/R (9th), 18 returns, 0 TD |
| Punting | 43.7 Y/P (24th) |
Turnovers (lost by O / recv’d by D / net / rank): 12 / 21 / +9 / 4
Penalties (total accepted # / rank): 74 / 20
Eagles:
The Eagles’ overall offensive statistics – 24th in points, 19th in yards, 24th in rushing yards – do not give an accurate picture of its capabilities. Quarterback Carson Wentz is having another Pro Bowl-level season, with a 69.7% completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 100.8. Tight End Zach Ertz is one of the top receivers at any position, with 895 yards (13th in the league) on 111 targets and 84 receptions. Josh Adams, who will most likely get the bulk of the carries, is averaging 5.2 yards per attempt in limited action this year. If the Eagles can put it all together Monday night, this will be a dangerous offense.
Defensively, Philadelphia’s defense has been spotty and inconsistent, and has been worked over by the Saints, and give up over 400 yards to the Buccaneers, Giants twice, and Cowboys. Overall, they are 14th in points surrendered (253), but 24th in total yardage, 28th in passing yardage, and 28th in rushing yards per attempt. What’s saved this defense this year is their success in the red zone (3rd) and on third downs (9th).
Record: 5 – 6 (3rd) (Home: 3 – 3; NFC: 3 – 5) (NFC East: 2 – 1)
All-time franchise record: 573 – 600 – 26
Offense
| Offensive rankings
|
24 (points) / 19 (total yards) / 19 (yards per game) / 21 (yards per play) / 13 (passing yards) / 21 (passing yards per att.) / 24 (rushing yards) / 24 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points for | 230 |
| Yards per game | 353.9 |
| Passing | 413 att (8th); 285 comp; 69.0% comp per. (7th); 7.3 Y/A; 2784 net yds; 17 TDs; 7 Int |
| Passing leader | Wentz (330 att, 2540 yds (19th), 69.7% comp per., 16 TDs / 6 Int, 100.8 QB rating (12th)) |
| Reception leader | Ertz (895 yds (13th), 111 targets (8th), 84 rec (4th), 6 TD, 10.7 Y/C) |
| Rushing | 265 att (21st); 1109 yds; 4.2 Y/A; 100.8 Y/G (24th); 8 TDs |
| Rushing leader | Adams (56 att, 291 yds (54th), 2 TDs, 5.2 Y/A, long 29 yds) |
| Sacks surrendered / rank | 34 / 24 |
| Ave time of possession / rank | 31:39 / 2 |
| 3rd down conversion rate / rank | 39.3% / 15 |
| TD percentage in red zone / rank | 55.26% / 21 |
Defense
| Defensive rankings | 14 (points) / 24 (total yards) / 24 (yards per game surrendered) / 24 (yards per play) / 28 (passing yards) / 17 (passing yards per att.) / 11 (rushing yards) / 28 (rushing yards per att.) |
| Points against | 253 |
| Yards per game surrendered | 380.1 |
| Opponent’s passing | 415 att (29th); 281 comp; 66.1% comp per. (19th); 7.6 Y/A; 3041 net yds; 17 TD; QB Rating 97.4 (20th) |
| Opponent’s rushing | 233 att (2nd); 1140 yds; 4.9 Y/A; 15 TD; 103.6 Y/G (11th) |
| Sacks / rank / Sack leader | 28 / 19 / Bennett (6.5) |
| Tackles leader | Hicks (85) |
| Int / rank / Int leader | 5 / 29 / Darby, Jenkins, Grugier-Hill, Maddox, Douglas (1) |
| Opponent 3rd down conv rate / rank | 37.32% / 9 |
| Opponent TD percentage in red zone / rank | 47.62% / 3 |
Special Teams
| Kick returns | 22.3 Y/R (18th), 25 returns, long 48 yards (11th), 0 TDs |
| Punt returns | 6.3 Y/R (25th), 26 returns, long 42 yards (11th), 0 TDs |
| Kick return defense | 25.4 Y/R (27th), 12 returns, 0 TDs |
| Punt return defense | 6.7 Y/R (6th), 23 returns, 0 TD |
| Punting | 48.8 Y/P (1st) |
Turnovers (lost by O / recv’d by D / net / rank): 16 / 8 / -8 / 27
Penalties (total accepted # / rank): 68 / 13
* Statistics courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com, www.nflpenalties.com, www.nfl.com, www.teamrankings.com, www.espn.com, www.sportingcharts.com