DC Metro Sports - ‘Skins-Eagles Keys to the Game

Written by Stephen F. Ball
Monday, 17 September 2007
Tonight, when the lights and cameras start rolling and the Redskins clash with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football, all eyes will be on quarterbacks Jason Campbell of the Redskins and Donovan McNabb of the Eagles. For Campbell, this is his first real taste of the national spotlight as the Redskins’ quarterback which leads to questions as to how he will handle the pressure of national television. For McNabb, the question is not whether he is capable of being a star in tonight’s game, but is he healthy enough? McNabb, coming off of knee surgery, had a shaky outing last week against Green Bay (15-33, 183 yards 1TD, 1 INT), and will be looking to rebound against a Redskins secondary prone to big plays. With this in mind, we find tonight’s keys to the game. When the Redskins are on Offense Protect Jason Campbell- Philadelphia’s defense is notoriously blitz happy as it is, but after the injury to Jon Jansen last week, expect the Eagles to attack Todd Wade on the right side of the offensive line without mercy. RUN BABY RUN!!!-The best way to beat the Eagles is to keep Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook off the field. To do that, the Redskins need to provide a healthy dose of both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. Establishing the run early and often will force Safety Brian Dawkins to play closer to the line of scrimmage and open up play action pass opportunities for ‘Skins receivers Santana Moss and Atwaan Randle El. Force the ball to Chris Cooley- Cooley had a rare low production game against the Dolphins last weekend. After the injury to Jansen, Cooley was forced to block more alongside rookie Stephon Heyer. Look for Cooley to be much more involved in the offense as Campbell’s safety valve against a blitzing Philadelphia defense. When the Eagles have the ball Find Brian Westbrook- On every play…no matter the down or distance. Sean Taylor or LaRon Landry should shadow Westbrook all the way to the locker room. Provide corner help- Despite the underwhelming names in the Philadelphia receiving corps, don’t let them fool you, McNabb is a good enough quarterback to put his receivers in a position to be successful, you could practically see the Campbell’s Soup grin on McNabb’s face watching the film of both Fred Smoot and Carlos Rogers struggling last week against Miami. Pressure McNabb- Gone are the days where a good blitz would force McNabb out of the pocket and down the field for 20 or 30 yards. McNabb looked tentative in the pocket last week and rarely scrambled. The Redskins need to let McNabb know they’ll hit him if he tries to run. Prediction: 24-17 Redskins

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