Eagles Aim for 4th in a Row at Redskins Expense

NFL 2008 Week 16 Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1) at Washington Redskins (7-7) Analysis, Preview & Prediction

The Eagles look to win their fourth straight game as they travel to Washington to take on the Redskins.

Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid is 13-3 against NFC East opponents in the month of December, and 12-7 overall against Washington during his tenure.

Both teams come off games against AFC North opponents as the Eagles defeated the Browns 30-10, while the Redskins lost to the Bengals, 20-13.

The Washington Redskins (7-7) downward spiral continued last week in Cincinnati as Washington suffered its third straight loss and defeats in five of their last six games.

The Eagles continue their exemplary track record finishing out seasons strong.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1) at Washington Redskins (7-7)

In November and December games, the Eagles are 2nd in the NFL in overall winning (.688) and road winning percentage (.724) since 2000. Furthermore, since 1999, the Eagles are 23-11 against NFC East division rivals in November and December.

In their 3 consecutive wins over the Cardinals (48-20) Giants (20-14) and Browns (30-10), the Eagles have averaged 32.7 points per game and have outscored their competition 98-44.

The key for the Eagles offense has been their ability to convert on 3rd down. During the 3-game winning streak the Eagles have converted 33 of 50 thrid downs (66%). The Eagles have outgained their opponents 1,200 to 684 yards in the 3-game span. Credit the Eagles two main offensvie weapons as QB Donovan McNabb has completed 69.2% of his passes with 7 TDs and only 1 interception for 107.9 passer rating and multi-purpose running back Brian Westbrook who has racked up 400 yards from scrimmage and 6 touchdowns.

On defense, the Eagles have allowed opponents only 228.0 yards per game.

Eagles - Redskins Rivalry

These longtime NFC East rivals meet for the 149th time. The Redskins lead the series, but the Eagles have won 10 of the last 14 games.

However, the Redskins won this season's first matchup against the Eagles in Phildelphia, 23-17. In that game, Redskins RB Clinton Portis ran for 145 yards & 1 TD, while Shaun Suisham connected on 3 2nd quarter field goals (41, 48 and 50 yards) in the Redskins win.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-5-1)

  • - RB BRIAN WESTBROOK has 400 scrimmage yards (133.3 per game) & 6 TDs (3 rush, 3 receiving) in past 3. Westbrook is the only player since 2004 with 4,000+ rush (4,820) & 3,000+ receiving (3,108) yards. Westbrook aims for 3rd in row vs. Washington with TD & has 4 TDs (2 rush, 2 receiving) in past 2 meetings
  • - Eagles QB DONOVAN MC NABB has won 8 of past 11 meetings & has 5-1 (.833) record at Washington. McNabb completed 20 of 28 (71.4 pct.) for 251 yards with 4 TDs vs. 0 interceptions for 138.5 passer rating in last meeting at Washington. In his starts (min. 10+ attempts) with 100.0+ rating (including playoffs), the Eagles are 39-1 (.975)
  • - WR DE SEAN JACKSON leads NFL rookies with 852 receiving yards & ties for 1st among NFC rookies with 58 catches. Had 68-yard PR-TD in last game vs. Washington WR KEVIN CURTIS had TD last week
  • - DE TRENT COLE has 20.5 sacks in past 30. CB ASANTE SAMUEL had 50-yard INT-TD last week & has 20 interceptions since 2006, most in NFL. S BRIAN DAWKINS played in 181st game last week, most in Eagles history (HAROLD CARMICHAEL, 180)

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (7-7)

  • - RB CLINTON PORTIS is tied for the NFL lead with 76 1st downs. Portis ranks 2nd with 1,544 scrimmage yards (1,337 rush, 207 receiving). Portis has 282 rushing yards (141.0 per game) in past 2 meetings vs. Eagles with 1 TD. Portis aims for 3rd game in a row vs. the Eagles with 135+ yards. When Portis rushes for 100+ yards, his teams are 33-10 (.767)
  • - In his last home start vs. the Eagles, Redskins QB Campbell completed 23 of 34 (67.6 pct.) for 215 yards with career-high 3 TDs vs. 0 interceptions for 114.2 passer rating. Campbell ranks 2nd in NFL with 1.4 interception pct. (6 interceptions, 443 attempts). The Redskins are tied for first in NFL with fewest interceptions allowed (6). Campbell needs 55 yards for 1st career 3,000-yard season
  • - WR SANTANA MOSS had TD catch last week. WR ANTWAAN RANDLE EL has 28 career TDs (16 receiving, 6 PR, 5 pass., 1 kick return), including playoffs. Had TD pass to TE CHRIS COOLEY in last meeting. Cooley has 28 TDs since 2004, most among NFC TEs. Had career-high 109 yards in last meeting
  • - LB-DE JASON TAYLOR is active leader with 118.5 sacks. Has sack in 2 of 3 meetings. S LA RON LANDRY had interception last week. DE ANDRE CARTER had sack & forced fumbles in last home game vs. the Eagles

PREDICTION: Philadelphia Eagles 24, Washington Redskins 10

The Redskins victory in October over the Eagles earlier this season is all but meaningless at this point. The Eagles are improving as each week passes by. In consecutive losses to the Giants (23-7), Ravens (24-10) and Bengals (20-13) the Redskins appear to be getting worse.

Expect the Eagles to win an easy one. The only way the Redskins win, is if they catch the Eagles looking ahead to next week's season finale in what may amount to a sudden-elimination match for the playoffs with the Cowboys.

Eagles Aim for 4th in a Row at Redskins Expense - NFL 2008 Week 16