The Redskins meet the Eagles on Sunday, in a game where both teams find themselves in a surprising spot.
The last time these team met, on November 15 of last year, the Eagles dominated the Redskins 59-28. Michael Vick had one of the most impressive games in memory accounting for over 400 yards of offense and six touchdowns. He was 20 of 28 for 333 yards with 4 touchdowns and ran for another 80 yards and 2 more TDs.
But one year later, the situation looks very different. The Eagles added tremendous Pro Bowl talent to a roster that went 10-6 last year, but they are currently sitting at 1-4 and looking for answers.
The Redskins, who went 6-10 last year, are currently 3-1 with a chance to take sole possession of first place in the always-tough NFC East. Are they concerned about the talented, but underperforming Eagles?
“They’re dangerous and so are we,” said Redskins running back Tim Hightower. “They’re 1-4, we’re 3-1. We’re on top in the division and we control that. It’s a must-win game for us and a must-win game for them. I know it’s a different set of scenarios when you look at their record, but it’s a must-win game.”
Hightower has 233 yards rushing in four games, and is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, but as a team, they have the 8th ranked rushing attack in football.
If and when the Eagles put it all together, they can play with anyone, but their offensive line has looked porous and there have been times when their defense loaded with Pro Bowl talent seems to have entirely forgotten how to tackle.
But despite all their problems, Vick has thrown for 1336 yards and 8 TDs, and has run for another 318 yards. His 1654 yards from scrimmage is more than the entire Redskins team.
But the NFL is about much more than looking at the numbers, and the Redskins have been playing better as a team than the more talented Eagles. Unless the Eagles can put it all together, and quickly, they could be in for a rough afternoon.
Plus, after last season’s debacle, the Redskins are not taking the game at all lightly, after the embarrassing loss last year. Hightower went on to add, “We respect them, but we’re going to get ready to play. . . . We have to prepare just like they have to prepare, so let the best man win.”
