ESPN Insider:Scouts Inc:Ramsey will struggle against Eagle D

[1niksder]

Why To Watch

The Redskins seemingly rediscovered their running attack last week and will test it out again versus a new-and-improved Eagles' run defense that only allowed the Redskins 51 rushing yards in the first meeting just three weeks ago. The Eagles offense, on the other hand, can beat you by land or by air.

QB Donovan McNabb is playing at the highest level of his career. He is a dual threat that can burn the Redskins for playing man-coverage and can also torch them for overcompensating versus the run. In order to keep McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook and WR Terrell Owens on the sideline, RB Clinton Portis must build on the momentum he generated last week.


When the Eagles have the ball

Rushing:

Despite injuries and lack of depth, the Eagles offensive line is doing an excellent job of controlling the line of scrimmage. The Eagles used a pass-first, run-second approach versus the Packers and may use it again this week. The Redskins do an excellent job on run defense because they can commit their safeties to run support and let them play in the box.

FS Sean Taylor and SS Ryan Clark are big hitters and add size and power to an already physical defensive front seven. The reason their safeties can play in the box is that they use man-to-man coverage on the edge with their corners.


The Eagles are not a physical run attack. Westbrook is more of a "darter" and "dancer" who excels at making plays and big runs on the second level. However, with the Redskins size inside and safeties in the box, it takes a physical run game between the tackles to move the ball on Washington and the Eagles are not capable of doing that.

The Eagles will likely come out in multi-receiver sets to try and get the Redskins into their nickel package and soften them up versus the run. The Eagles will also flex their tight ends or put them in motion to try and pull the safety out of the box. Philadelphia would like to come out aggressive, jump to an early lead and then run the ball to control the clock. The Eagles are not obsessed with offensive balance. If the run is not there, they will simply throw the ball more.

Passing:

The Eagles ability to spread the field and move personnel around to dictate matchups is getting better each week. They love their three-receiver sets with Owens, Freddie Mitchell and Todd Pinkston, but they will also flex their tight end, L.J. Smith, and put Westbrook in motion to make it more difficult on the defense to match up favorably.


In recent weeks, opposing defenses have been bracketing or rolling coverage towards Owens which is opening up single coverage matchups for Mitchell and Pinkston. The most important player in the pass offense may be Westbrook, because of his ability to move all over the field and when he matches up on a linebacker he has a huge advantage.

The Redskins are not afraid to play man-to-man on the perimeter with DCs Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs, but they will struggle to match up on Smith and Westbrook. The Eagles are an excellent screen teams and they could make some big plays versus an aggressive defense. Most of the advantage in the passing game is in the Eagles favor, but with so many injuries on the offensive line, they could have some problems with the defensive front seven.

When the Redskins have the ball


Rushing:

The Redskins have employed a heavy run attack all season, but they have not gotten consistent production. They had a "break out" week last week versus the Giants when RB Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts combined for 42 carries and 212 yards rushing. The Redskins will try to wear down the Eagles with a power run game from Betts and movement from Portis.

The Eagles have improved on defense over the past few weeks since they inserted Jeremiah Trotter at middle linebacker and moved Mark Simoneau to the outside, while giving DTs Sam Rayburn and Hollis Thomas more playing time. The Redskins will use a lot of two tight end sets and will trap at times with the tight end in motion, but the Eagles are a smart defensive front and should maintain discipline.

The Redskins running game features the counter play, which is not quick developing, as it requires pulls and traps and patience on the running backs' part. The best way for the Eagles to beat the counter play is to get quick penetration and hit Portis and Betts before they get going.

Passing:

The Redskins passing game has weapons, but the production has been inconsistent, mostly because of poor quarterback play. Both starting receivers, Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner have big play capabilities, but because the Redskins run so many conservative routes featuring only two receivers, this is an offense that has been predictable and easy to defend.


They may try and run the ball early to set up play-action. The Eagles safeties are very aggressive and love to attack versus the run. If QB Patrick Ramsey can catch them out of position, he may find some big plays with TE Chris ey, especially if he is matched up on a linebacker.

They will move Coles around to find a one-on-one matchup, but the biggest key will be the pass protection. Ramsey is not a mobile quarterback, so he must recognize where the blitz is coming from and get the ball out quickly. If the Redskins are to have any chance to stretch the field vertically, the pass protection will have to hold up long enough to let the receivers get deep.

Scouts' Edge

The Redskins not only failed to score a touchdown in their first meeting with the Eagles, but they also were unable to mount a serious offensive attack, either on the ground or through the air. The Redskins seem to have rediscovered their run game and can wear the Eagles down with a steady dose of Portis and Betts.

However, Ramsey will have to make some plays in the passing game in order to get the Eagles safeties out of run support and back into coverage -- and we don't think he can get it done against an aggressive, attacking Eagles' scheme. The Eagles are playing inspired football and will be ready to make a statement versus their division rival. As a result, don't expect a letdown.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=241212028

[DEHog]

From thehogs.net: McNabb will struggle against the Skins D.

[SkinsJock]

Thanks DEHog! The hogs.net is a lot more credible source than espn insider!

[John Manfreda]

ESPN doesn't know Jack look at their ananlyst. Len, Clayton, Salisbury, the only good one is Sharp. They don't know Jack. ESPN also hates the Redskins.

[General Failure]

You're right, they missed Dorsey Levens completely when talking about the Eagles running game. I'm pretty sure he counts as a power back.