After Sunday's disappointing performance against the Cowboys put the Eagles playoff hopes in doubt, the Eagles have a chance to get back into the right side of the playoff picture.
They just need a little help.
The Eagles are in Washington to face the Redskins on Saturday where they have to take care of business for themselves first. Then they will await the results of Sunday's Cowboys-Colts game.
Here are tonight's six keys to the game.
Turnovers - The Eagles had two turnovers on Sunday – the onside kick at the beginning on Sunday's game was not considered a turnover – and it has been an issue that has plagued the Eagles all season. Protecting the football is key to every game for this team, but especially now as they play two must-win games to close the season.
Avoid the Trap Game – The Eagles have five losses, four to teams in the playoff picture – Arizona, Green Bay, Seattle and Dallas. Even with the loss to San Francisco, the Eagles haven't lost to a team with a losing record yet this season – San Francisco is 7-7. The Eagles have managed to avoid the trap several times this season, even when it didn't seem likely. Just remember, the Eagles rolled in Week 3 against Washington before holding on to win by three at the end.
DeSean Jackson – Dez Bryant gave the Eagles fits on Sunday. DeSean Jackson has the same capablility. The numbers haven't been great this season for the former Eagle, but if December Tony Romo could deliver to Bryant, Robert Griffin III can deliver to DeSean. With the secondary the Eagles have, look out for Jackson at all times.
LeSean McCoy - The Eagles all-time leading rusher has quite the resume, but hasn't put together many solid games this season at all. He's progressed as the season went on, but has not been the same running back that exploded against some of the league's top defenses a season ago. McCoy is really the catalyst of this offense, now more than ever with Nick Foles out and Mark Sanchez in. A breakout game from Shady would put the Eagles in a good spot.
Give Matthews the Ball – Jordan Matthews has two catches in his last two games and was targeted once on Sunday against Dallas. The rookie has shined at times for the Eagles and in a game where the Eagles could have locked up the division, he was invisible following an injury scare that certainly didn't keep him out long. Matthews is just one of the players that needs to see the ball more.
Eagles Passing Game – The Eagles had success whenever tight ends or running backs were touching the ball. Riley Cooper isn't getting it done. Jeremy Maclin is always going to be tightly marked. So in addition to Matthews, using Zach Ertz, Brent Celek and Darren Sproles more in the passing game helps keep defenses off balance. The Maclin-Matthews combo for an entire game just becomes far too predictable.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
