Inquirer’s Eagles-Redskins Predictions

Predictions for Sunday's Eagles-Redskins game from The Inquirer's Eagles beat reporters:

Let's start with the Redskins pass rush. How concerned should the Eagles be?

Jeff McLane: The Redskins racked up ten sacks last week, albeit against the lowly Jaguars. Ryan Kerrigan leads the NFL in sacks with four and probably gets to see more one-on-one opportunities than he should because of the outside linebacker on the other side -- Brian Orakpo. Kerrigan has rushed exclusively from the left side, which means Eagles right tackle Andrew Gardner will have his hands full. Gardner settled down last week against the Colts, but this is completely different test. Chip Kelly generally doesn't help his tackles with chips and doubles. He may have to in this case. Jason Peters will certainly be left alone on the other side. The Peters-Okapo battles have been good ones other the years, with Peters generally coming out the winner.

Still, Washington doesn't just have edge rushers. Jason Hatcher, signed as a free agent after his Cowboys days, can still get interior pressure. Dennis Kelly, making his second straight start at left guard, could have his hands full. Toss in rookie outside linebacker Trent Murphy (drafted after Marcus Smith, I might add) off the bench, and I think Nick Foles will have to be on his "A" game in terms of getting the ball out quick. I imagine Kelly will call a healthy dose of quick passes, screens, misdirection passes to counter a heavy rush, but I think this game will be won or lost in this fight up front.

Zach Berman: Good question, because this could be the key to the game. This will be a tough afternoon for Gardner. Kerrigan is a really good player, and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has been creative with his pass-rush schemes this year. Chip Kelly raved about Hatcher last year in Dallas, and had similar praise for him this week. You know I was high on Murphy entering the draft. He led the nation in sacks last year at Stanford playing against top competition. That's not leading the AAC in sacks like Smith – it's leading the nation in sacks from the Pac-12. So I think this will be an issue throughout the afternoon for the Eagles. And the way to beat Foles is to move him off his spot and force him to throw under duress. I don't want to echo you, but you said it best about how Kelly will call this game. I can see screens and play-actions to try to combat the pass rush. This could be a big afternoon for LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles catching the ball out of the backfield.

Speaking of DeSean Jackson (OK, we actually weren't, but whatever), what do you think will happen with both sets of receivers in this game?

McLane: It appears as if Jackson will play. I hope he does because it would add another element to a NFC East tilt. He can be dangerous when motivated. He generally lines up on the right, which means Bradley Fletcher would be most responsible for covering the speedy receiver. The Eagles' corners mostly play man-press, so a Jackson-Bradley face-off would put to test the theory that Jackson can't get off the line vs. longer corners. As for Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper, their success will largely depend upon the offensive line. A lot has been written this week about Nick Foles and his outside receivers lacking any chemistry. I think that's a fair statement to make in regards to Maclin. He's been getting open. I'm not sure what's up with Cooper. He isn't a big separation guy. He's a go-up-and-get-it receiver and Foles generally had no issues throwing him open last season. The good news for the Eagles is that they have other weapons. Sproles and Zach Ertz have been awesome. But there will come a time when the Eagles need their outside guys to explode. I think it could happen, as long as the o-line holds up, against a questionable secondary.

Berman: Jackson is a lot of things, but he's always entertaining. That's why I hope he plays. If you're a watching a football game, the experience is always enhanced by Jackson being involved. The Eagles will try to press Jackson, and I think they'll do a solid job most of the game. But "most of the game" is not good enough Jackson, because he can make you pay when he's free. Look for that to happen on Sunday. Of more concern, though, should be Pierre Garcon. Garcon was targeted 39 times in the three games Cousins started last season. He averaged eight catches and 109.7 yards during that period. I'm curious to watch tight end Niles Paul. He had a big game filling in for Jordan Reed last week. A converted wide receiver, Paul has strong pass-catching skills.

On the Eagles' side, it's time for Jordan Matthews to have an impact. Washington's slot cornerback is E.J. Biggers, who has played fairly well this year. That will be an interesting matchup to watch. I've been more impressed with Maclin than his number suggest, because when you watch the games, you see him getting open. Look for the Eagles to continue trying to get Maclin involved in shorter routes so he can run after the catch. As for Cooper, there's much to be desired with the way he's playing. Then again, I said the same thing at this point last year. He'll get going at some point. I can see big plays for the Eagles out of the play-action. That could help Ertz and Brent Celek. But again, watch McCoy and Sproles -- it will be a good afternoon for screens. They can be the two top pass catchers.

Who will be the Eagles' stud and dud?

McLane: The Redskins may not have Robert Griffin III, but they still have Alfred Morris in the backfield. Jay Gruden has taken over for the Shanahans, but he still likes to use the Redskins' patented stretch run play that has provided Morris with so many yards over the last three years. I think DeMeco Ryans will play a big part in helping the Eagles to control the Washington run game. Mychal Kendricks is likely out with a calf injury, so Ryans will have to shoulder more of the run stopping responsibilities with either Casey Matthews or Emmanuel Acho by his side in the middle.

As for a dud, I think Andrew Gardner is going to struggle in one-one-one situations.

Berman: My stud this week is Connor Barwin. He's the type of player you keep appreciating the more you watch them. I can see him getting to the quarterback against right tackle Tyler Polumbus, who has allowed four sacks and five quarterback hurries this season, according to Pro Football Focus. The Eagles rush Barwin on 61 percent of the pass plays this season. He's been effective in the rush, even without a sack. He could record a sack this week.

I was going to say Gardner for the dud. But I'll go with Dennis Kelly. I thought Kelly played better than Gardner last week, and the matchup will be tougher for both players this week. They're serviceable as depth pieces, but the longer backups play, the more they're revealed to be the backups. That could be the case this week.

What's your prediction?

McLane: The Eagles are a better team. I think everyone naturally believes they'll improve after two so-so efforts, and I do, as well. But I think they teeter back this Sunday. I picked the Redskins before the season, as I did the Eagles in the first two games. I see no reason to alter my pre-season picks until I get one wrong. It could come this week. Nonetheless, I have the Redskins 28, Eagles 27.

Berman: I'm going with the Eagles. I was impressed with Kirk Cousins last week and I think Washington is the biggest threat to challenge the Eagles for the division, but I'm swayed by what's going on with the Eagles right now. They were fortunate to escape Indianapolis with a win. They'll have an easier time on Sunday. Kendricks' injury will hurt and the patchwork offensive line will be an issue, but the Eagles play a better first half this week.

My pick is Eagles 31, Washington 20 to advance to 3-0 before one of the toughest games of the season next week against San Francisco.