Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) at Washington Redskins (2-4)
The Washington Redskins aren’t the worst team in the NFL, but they sure might be the most underachieving team. Oh, sure, you could look at the Titans or Panthers or a few other teams perhaps and say they have disappointed, but the Skins went out and spent a ton of money again this offseason, mainly on star defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, in the expectation of contending in the NFC East.
But here they are at 2-4 and bringing up the rear of the division. While 2-4 doesn’t sound that horrific, consider that the Skins have yet to face a team that had a win this year. You read that right: Washington set an NFL record by facing six winless teams in a row – obviously the season opener is part of that run, but the Skins have had the easiest schedule in the league so far. It starts to get much harder Monday night for Washington against a Philadelphia team that is sure to be angry after laying a huge egg in last week’s loss to Oakland. The good news for Philly backers on WagerWeb.com is that the Eagles are 35-15-1 in games following a loss under coach Andy Reid since 2000.
The Eagles are 7.5-point betting favorites for the game on WagerWeb.com.
Washington’s offense hasn’t exceeded 17 points yet this year, so the front office “suggested” after last week’s home loss to the Chiefs that coach Jim Zorn relinquish play-calling duties to Sherm Lewis, who wasn’t even a member of this staff a month ago. Zorn is a lock to be fired after this season, but the team did come out and publicly say he wouldn’t get the axe during the season, for what that’s worth. But a bad effort on national TV tonight could well change owner Dan Snyder’s mind.
QB Jason Campbell will start for Washington despite getting pulled last week in favor of veteran Todd Collins. Campbell has led the Skins to three wins in the past four meetings in this series, including sweeps last year. Campbell really didn’t do much statistically in those two wins in 2008, but he also didn’t turn the ball over. It will be interesting to see if Campbell can protect the ball tonight against a defense that has forced 14 turnovers to rank second in the NFL in that category.
Washington’s defense has been very good against the pass, ranking third in the NFL by surrendering only 169 yards through the air. It’s been 29 games since an opposing quarterback has eclipsed a 100 passer rating. The run defense, meanwhile, is ranked 22ndand has allowed two tailbacks to rush for more than 100 yards this year. So that could mean a heavy dose of Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy for Philly.
On the injury front, Haynesworth has a sprained ankle and practiced Saturday for the first time this week, but he was limited. Zorn said Haynesworth will be a game-time decision. Running back Clinton Portis is also listed as questionable as he battles foot, calf and ankle ailments in his right leg, but Zorn said Portis will play.
Philly star tackle Jason Peters will start after leaving last week’s game with an injury. WR Kevin Curtis is out, however.
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