By Gia Lanci, Sports Talk Philly Staff
The Eagles will play a divisional matchup against the Redskins. This game is crucial to win to compete for a playoff position. The Eagles are coming off a win against the Giants. The Redskins have been having a good season until their starting quarterback, Alex Smith, got hurt. The Eagles need to attack the Redskins and finish with a win.
An Ugly Win
When the Eagles played the Giants last week, they had a slow start. Over the course of the game, they started playing better and looked very good by the end.
The defense was struggling throughout the entire game. They have so many injured players. Because of this, they have to play man-to-man coverage, which gave the Giants offense too much space to make big plays, especially with the offensive powerhouses they have. There was really only one huge play made by the defense and that was an interception at the end of the first half by Malcolm Jenkins. A lot of the injured players are expected to play Monday against the Redskins, which would increase the chances for a good game on the Eagles part.
The offense played better and better as the game went on against the Giants. They gained their confidence back and the play calling got progressively better. Josh Adams and the run game did wonders for the offense. There were so many great carries that advanced the offense down the field. It is important to note that the Giants defense is not that great, but I still think the Eagles offense played better than they have been. It is crucial that they continue using the run game and making strategic play calls like in week 12. It will keep their momentum going and there confidence up to score.
Victories of Last Season
Last season, the Eagles played the Redskins early on in the season and the Eagles beat them both times they met. They were obviously much different teams then. The last meeting they had with the Redskins in week seven of last season was a good game. The Redskins had some really good plays and the Eagles could not do anything early on. Wentz threw a terrible interception and was sacked two times in the first half, but he was able to find Mack Hollins for a deep touchdown pass to get the momentum started for the offense. Malcolm Jenkins had a great game with a sack on Kirk Cousins.
Redskins
Last week, the Redskins lost against the Cowboys. It was a close game. The Redskins have their second string quarterback, Colt McCoy, starting. He had to step up and take Alex Smith’s place when Smith had a season ending injury, breaking his leg. He was very inconsistent against the Cowboys. He threw three interceptions and was sacked three times, but the Redskins defense had four sacks and was able to keep the Cowboys offense close. They still lost the game, but it was not a bad game by any means.
Injury Report
Eagles
Out
CBs Jalen Mills, Avonte Maddox
The secondary is still going to be struggling with the injuries for the Redskins game. Mills and Maddox being out means Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas will take their place as the starting cornerbacks. Jones didn’t play last week and Douglas played only two snaps through injuries. With that being said, the secondary needs all the help it can get and it would be great if Mills and Maddox could get some playing time next weekend.
LB Jordan Hicks
Hicks was injured in the game against the Saints and did not practice this week. He has been an important aspect of the defense this season. He is very injury prone. Hopefully he will get better quickly.
Questionable
RB Josh Adams
This was a shock to most. He injured his hip Saturday and is questionable against the Redskins. He was one of the key components to the run game in last week’s game. He is leading the team in rushing yards with 291 yards.
DE Michael Bennett
His foot is injured, however he had light practice this week and is expected to play. He leads the team in sacks. It is crucial for him to play and for him to put pressure on Colt McCoy at the beginning of the game so his confidence is altered.
RB Darren Sproles
Sproles has been out for the majority of the season. He had light practice all week and had a full practice on Friday. He is expected to play on Monday, which would be a great spark for the offense to have.
Redskins
Questionable
LB Zach Brown, CB Quinton Dunbar, DL Matt Loannidis
The Redskins have no one out, but a trio of Redskins defenders are questionable. All three are starters on the defense, so if any of the three cannot play, the Redskins will have a clear weakness. This will allow the Eagles offense to be able to get more points on the board.
WR Jamison Crowder, OT Morgan Moses, WR Trey Quinn, TE Jordan Reed
The Redskins have a lot of questionable players for This Monday night game, but tight end Jordan Reed is a big part of their offense. If he cannot play, it will make the Eagles chances better. Also of large concern are Moses, the starting right tackle, and Jamison Crowder, the Redskins second wideout. Moses being out will make it a far easier day for the Eagles defensive ends and Crowder being out (especially if Reed is out) will greatly weaken the passing game.
Broadcast Information
Time: 8:15 PM
TV: ABC
Radio: 94.1 FM WIP
Online: NFL Game Pass