Game Preview, Week 4: Washington at Philadelphia
September 29, 2023
by Steve Thomas
Well, Washington’s week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills was an unmitigated disaster, but fortunately, Washington now has an good opportunity to make up for it with what should be an easy game against an inferior team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Or, alternatively, they now have to face a Super Bowl contender in an away game, in what might be another blow out. One of those two scenarios is true. I’ll let you decide which is which. In all seriousness, obviously, Washington has a chance in this game, and it’s almost impossible for them to play worse than they did in week 3. Therefore, I’ll give Washington a fighting chance in this game, but getting a win is certainly a tall order. Let’s get on with the preview.
Game time & location: Sunday, October 1, 2023, 1:00 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA; Gates open 10:30 a.m. ET (earlier access to premium seating and facilities); parking lots open 8:00 a.m.
Television: FOX
Television announcers: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
TV broadcast map: click here
DC-area radio: BIG-100 (WBIG FM)
Washington radio network: click here
Eagles radio network: click here
Satellite radio: SiriusXM: 231 (Phil broad.); 390 (Wash. broad.); internet: 831
Washington roster: click here
Washington depth chart: click here
Eagles roster: click here
Eagles depth chart: click here
Records: Washington 2 – 1 (away 1 – 0); Philadelphia 3 – 0 (home 1 – 0)
All-time head-to-head record vs Philadelphia: 88 – 83 – 6 (last 10: 3 – 7; streak: 1 – 0) Last meeting: W, November 14, 2021, 32 – 21
Early odds: Eagles, -8.5
3 KEYS TO THE GAME
Figure out how to pass protect, somehow
We’ve discussed Washington’s offensive line problem ad nauseum here at The Hog Sty. This unit has significant problems in pass protection, and those problems are exacerbated by a quarterback who has problems with getting rid of the ball in a timely manner. This week isn’t the game to continue those problems. The Eagles have one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL, and if the offensive line can’t make a rapid and dramatic improvement, then this is going to be a long game. This is probably the single-most important key to this game.
Use the running attack earlier in the game
Eric Bieniemy’s play calling has been questionable, with entirely too many pass played called in the first half of each game. Establishing a rushing attack early in this game is an absolute must. Ideally, Brian Robinson has more than 10 carries in the first half. I suspect that if Washington can’t be successful running the ball against the Eagles, then they probably can’t win this game.
Win the turnover battle
This one may seem a little obvious, but when the quarterback threw four interceptions in the prior week, this point needs to be reiterated. Five turnovers in a single game is a recipe for a loss against any NFL opponent, let alone a Super Bowl contender like Philadelphia. Sam Howell needs to do much, much better in this area in week 4.
3 KEY MATCHUPS
This is a big-time battle in the secondary: Washington’s Pro Bowl, #1 receiver versus the All-Pro corner. Slay has at times controlled McLaurin in previous battles, but McLaurin has also had some big games against the Eagles, including 8 receptions for 128 in week 10 last season, so I’m very interested to see how McLaurin does this week. This high-profile matchup will most likely attract the attention of the TV broadcast crew.
Fletcher Cox has been to six Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2018. He could very well be a nightmare for Washington’s porous offensive line. However, if Washington has a semi-decent performer, it might be Cosmi. This should be an interesting battle to watch – the grizzled vet versus the young and upcoming guard. Keep an eye out on this battle.
This one is a huge battle. Payne is having an outstanding season as one of Washington’s two star defensive tackles, and Kelce, a five-time First Team All-Pro, may be the most respected center in the league. Fans of battles in the trenches should do everything possible to watch for when these two players face each other.
OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT (active roster only)
LP – limited practice FP – full practice DNP – did not practice
NIR – not injury related Q – questionable O – out
D – doubtful NL – not listed
| Washington | Eagles |
| RB C. Rodriguez, illness; Wed: LP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: O | S S. Brown, hamstring; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: DNP; game: O |
| S P. Butler, foot; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP; game: Q | S J. Evans, neck; Wed: DNP; Thurs: DNP; Fri: FP; game: Q |
| CB E. Forbes Jr., elbow; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | WR D. Smith, illness; Wed; Thurs: DNP; Fri: LP |
| CB B. St-Juste, neck; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | DT F. Cox, knee; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP; Fri: LP |
| TE L. Thomas, concussion; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | G C. Jurgens, groin; Wed: LP; Thurs: LP; Fri; FP |
| WR Q. Watkins, hamstring; Wed: DNP; Thurs; LP; Fri: LP; game: O | |
| WR B. Covey, hamstring; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | |
| LB Z. Cunningham, ribs; Wed: LP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | |
| G L. Dickerson, knee; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP; Fri: FP | |
| RB B. Scott; concussion; Wed: FP; Thurs: FP; Fri: GP |
Steve’s Prediction
I think this game is probably an Eagles blowout in the range of 27 – 7.