Redskins game day examination Vol. 1.5

October 5, 7:02 AMWashington Redskins ExaminerMark Newgent

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Still not 100%  (AP Photo Tim Mihalek)

This installment of Redskins Game Day Examination is with Philadelphia Eagles Examiner and veteran Philadelphia sports journalist, Gordie Jones. Gordie has covered Philly sports for nearly 30 years. My answers to Gordie’s questions are up on his site.

Mark Newgent: Which team is the real Eagles, the team that thumped St. Louis and stifled Pittsburgh, or the one that faded against the Cowboys and couldn't execute against the Bears?

Gordie Jones: That's the $64,000 question. I'm not sure they even know. Injuries -- notably to Brian Westbrook -- have definitely played a role in their problems, but you look at their team and wonder whether or not something is missing. Something intangible, because they weren't very good in close games last year, going 3-5 in those decided by a touchdown or less, and now 0-2 in such games this year.

MN: The Eagles spent a lot of money to upgrade the secondary. Yet that group appears to be the most vulnerable part of Jim Johnson's defense. Why?

GJ: Another complex question. I think Asante Samuel, who signed a six-year, $57 million contract, has been everything they might have hoped. But you still wonder how much Lito Sheppard is sulking as a result of Samuel's new deal; Sheppard hasn't played very much so far. And there is still that nagging question in the back of everybody's mind as to whether Brian Dawkins has lost a step or not.

Contain McNabb (AP Photo M. Spencer Green)

MN: If Brian Westbrook does not play, how do the Eagles attack the Redskins?

GJ: They are definitely different without Westbrook -- less versatile, less apt to run, less apt to get a big play on the ground. So their pass-run ratio, which is always out of whack in favor of the pass, will be even more so.

MN: Andy Reid and Jim Zorn are Holmgren acolytes in the West Coast Offense. Have you noticed any differences between their two versions of the WCO?

GJ: Zorn definitely leans more on the run, as he should given Clinton Portis' abilities. The Redskins also make better use of their tight end; the Eagles' L.J. Smith has been hurting, but even before that he was something of a forgotten man -- for whatever reason.

MN: Omar Gaither, Stewart Bradley, and Chris Cocong are aggressive, fast, and strong. Seemingly a perfect fit for a Jim Johnson defense. Yet they are young averaging barely over two years of experience. Are they vulnerable to draws, screens, and misdirection plays, especially since Zorn can run the same play from multiple formations?

GJ: This is potentially the best set of linebackers the Eagles since Andy Reid became coach in 1999. Gocong, who was a pass rusher in college, still struggles in coverage. And because they blitz so often, they are at times vulnerable to screens. But this is one of the strengths of their team (especially Gaither), and should remain so for years to come.

Carlos Rogers will have his hands full.  (AP Photo Tim Mihalek

MN: What are your keys to an Eagles victory?

GJ: Getting pressure on Campbell -- and not only getting pressure on him, but getting him on the ground. One of the things he did really well against Dallas was buy time in the pocket before hitting big throws.

Continuing to stop the run -- always a tall order against a back of Portis' talent. Converting on third down and in the red zone, two things that were problems last year and continue to be this year, in no small part because of Westbrook's ankle injury.

MN: What weaknesses can the Redskins exploit?

GJ: The often one-dimensional nature of the Eagles' offense. Reid too often seems to ignore the run for long stretches.

The over-aggressive nature of the defense, which leaves it vulnerable if the rush doesn't get home.

                                                                                               The special teams, which seem good for at least one huge gaffe a game.

MN: Which Eagles player could make a difference in the game?

GJ: DeSean Jackson. The rookie wideout is an all-or-nothing kind of guy. He has made some big plays to date, but also some big mistakes.

MN: Give me your predicted order of finish for the NFC East.

GJ: Wow. That depends on injuries, an ill-timed Terrell Owens snit, et al. So at this particular moment, I'll go Dallas, New York, Washington, Philly. But that's subject to change.

Thanks Gordie.

Even if Brian Westbrook plays, he’s not 100%, which means he won’t be able to make the quick cuts he uses so effectively to avoid tackles. That helps the Redskin defense focus on containing Donovan McNabb. They need to continue to get turnovers and add to their +6 turnover ratio. Don’t be surprised if Jason Campbell breaks his streak of games without a turnover, this Eagles defense, especially the linebackers, brings the type of pressure that can force takeaways. However, they can still be had with screens and draws. I see this as a game for Chris Cooley to reassert himself into the offense by making the one or two big plays the Redskins need to win this game.

My Prediction: Redskins 20, Eagles 17