Eagles PR DeSean Jackson vs. Redskins P Hunter Smith
Not only is Jackson explosive in the Eagles' passing game, he alsoleads the NFL with a 14.9-yard average on punt returns. Last week atChicago, he had a 53-yard return.
The Redskins are eighth in punt coverage and haven't allowed a return of more than 29 yards, much less a touchdown. Injuries to H.B. Blades and Mike Sellers and the promotion of Rock Cartwright to starting running back could force special teams coach Danny Smith to reshuffle his personnel, so it's up to Hunter Smith to neutralize Jackson.
Smith averaged 3.28 seconds of hang time on seven punts against Philadelphia last month, and Jackson had returns of minus-1, 29 and 3 yards. Since returning from a groin injury, Smith has averaged a solid4.48 seconds of hang time, forcing opponents into five fair catches.
Redskins coach Jim Zorn said opponents have mixed up between punting for direction and hang time, but with Jackson, Smith seems to be inclined toward focusing on hang time.
With guys that good, it doesn't matter where the ball is on the field as much as it has good hang time, Smith said.
THREE KEYS
1. Rock rolling early
Redskins running back Rock Cartwright gets his first start in six years because of injuries to Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. The Redskins' only legitimate chance is to establish the running game and keep Philadelphia's offense off the field. Two of the Redskins' three victories have come when they've had more rushes than passes.
2. Preventing the big play
Philadelphia has 13 touchdowns of at least 20 yards, and the Redskins' defense has allowed eight touchdowns of at least 20 yards. The Eagles stormed to a 27-7 lead in the teams' first meeting thanks in large part to DeSean Jackson's 67-yard end-around score and 57-yard TD catch.
3. Rogers' response
Cornerback Carlos Rogers gets another shot as a starter because ofDeAngelo Hall's knee injury. This represents Rogers' chance either to show management he's worth keeping around for the long term or to showcase himself to other teams. He played 20 of 121 snaps the past two games following his benching on the first series against Denver.
THE EDGE
WHEN THE Redskins HAVE THE BALL
Philadelphia's defense was dominant in its 27-17 victory over the Redskins last month, posting six sacks and forcing quarterback Jason Campbell to scramble or throw the ball away another four times. The Eagles' 30 sacks are tied for third in the NFL; they apply pressure ina variety of ways from a variety of players. Trent Cole's 8.5 sacks are tied for fifth in the league, and 14 players have at least a half-sack. The Redskins counter with yet another offensive line combination and a third starting running back (Rock Cartwright).
Edge: Eagles
WHEN THE Eagles HAVE THE BALL
The Eagles thrive on the big play, and the Redskins' injury situation invites Philadelphia to grind it out with LeSean McCoy or take shots downfield with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. The Redskins' defense allowed 153 rushing yards last week without Albert Haynesworth,and this week the secondary is without DeAngelo Hall. The Redskins have to find a way to pressure Donovan McNabb, and the only possible scenario is trusting Fred Smoot or Carlos Rogers in man-to-man coverage against Maclin (while using a safety up top to double-team Jackson)and sending a linebacker or safety in to blitz. The Eagles have too many playmakers for the Redskins to shut them down completely.
Edge: Eagles
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jackson is the top returner in the game, but the Redskins have theoverall advantage because of their consistent coverage units. Philadelphia ranks third in punt coverage (the Redskins don't do anything on punts anyway) but is tied for 23rd on kickoff coverage, which couldprovide an opening if Devin Thomas takes over for Cartwright on returns. Thomas started the second half last week with a 38-yard return. The Redskins' coverage teams rank third (kickoffs) and eighth (punts). Although Shaun Suisham was only 2-for-4 on field goals last week - his first two misses of the year - the Redskins get the slight edge.
Edge: Redskins
