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Week 5 Game Recap: Washington Redskins 23, Philadelphia Eagles 17
What you need to know
| Washington Redskins |
The Redskins dug themselves a 14-0 hole early in this game. However, Washington responded with 23 unanswered points and won a key division game.
Philadelphia figured that if they could shut down Santana Moss, that they would be able to stop the Washington offense. Moss was a nonfactor statistically, but the emphasis he drew in coverage often left Chris Cooley covered by a linebacker. Cooley was able to take advantage of the mismatches and became the focus of the Washington passing attack. He had his best game of the season with eight catches for 109 yards, including a touchdown reception from Antwaan Randle El.
Clinton Portis also responded with his best game of the season. Portis had his way against the stingy Philadelphia run defense. He ran 29 times for 145 yards and a touchdown. Prior to the game, the Eagles had allowed only 215 yards running in four games.
Jason Campbell completed 16 of his 29 passes for 176 yards. He showed good patience against the always blitzing Eagles and managed the offense to zero turnovers. Campbell and the Washington offense have played the entire season without committing a turnover.
Washington played the game without three defensive starters. At first, it appeared the unit dearly missed Shawn Springs, Marcus Washington, and Jason Taylor. However, the unit stiffened and helped the Redskins dominate the game after the opening quarter. Washington's troops held Philadelphia without a first down for 28 minutes and allowed only a field goal afterwards.
| Philadelphia Eagles |
The Eagles opened the game with a well balanced 12 play 80 yard drive and took a quick 7-0 lead after Brian Westbrook's 9 yard touchdown run. Shortly thereafter, DeSean Jackson returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown and The Eagles were rolling. Philadelphia dominated the first quarter and continued to move the ball. However, after David Akers missed a 50 yard field goal try, Washington would make a game of it. While the Eagle offense struggled, Washington responded with three straight field goal drives to close the score to 14-9 at the half.
Halftime did not change the fortunes of the Philadelphia offense. The Eagles had three straight three and outs in the third quarter and dug themselves a nine point hole before the offense would show signs of life. Philadelphia drove for a fourth quarter field goal to cut the deficit to six points, but they were unable to stop the Redskins to get the ball back. Washington ran out the last 7:18 in thirteen plays.
Brian Westbrook played for the first time since going down early in the Eagles' week three game against Pittsburgh. He injured ankle did not noticeably bother him. Westbrook ran hard on the opening drive. He had four carries for 22 yards, including a tough nine yard touchdown run. However, Westbrook injured his ribs on the play. He returned to the game, but managed only 11 yards on the ground the rest of the game.
Donovan McNabb started seven for eleven for 92 yards. However, he was unable to keep his rhythm and the Eagle offense floundered. Although he was victimized by some dropped passes, McNabb was unable to pick it up until the fourth quarter, when he went five for five for 71 yards. During Philadelphia's 28 minute span without a first down, McNabb was only five of thirteen for 33 yards.
The Eagles number three rated defense had allowed only 215 rushing yards in their first four contests before allowing the Redskins to gain 203 yards on the ground in this game.
What you ought to know
| QB Jason Campbell, Pass: 16 - 29 - 176 - 0 TD / 0 INT, Rush: 6 - 14 - 0 |
As he has done all season, Campbell played a mistake free game. Campbell started slowly; his first five attempts fell incomplete. Afterwards, he began to focus the passing attack on tight end Chris Cooley. Most of Campbell's passes were of the intermediate variety. His longest completion was a 26 yarder to Cooley.
Campbell took advantage of Philadelphia's two deep man to man coverage on one play and ran for a 15 yard gain.
| RB Clinton Portis, Rush: 29 - 145 - 1, Rec: 2 - 13 - 0 (2 targets) |
Portis was able to find running room like no other against the strong Eagle defense. He ran often and helped the Redskins to control the game after the first quarter. Portis' four yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave the Redskins a nine point lead. His long run was a 27 yard gain. He also had a 21 yard run. On the play, it looked as if Portis had been stopped for a three yard gain. He kept plowing ahead, however, breaking a tackle and then carrying defenders for the last few yards. Portis also plowed through the line to pick up a gutsy fourth down and one call that sealed the game.
Portis now has consecutive 100 yard games. Portis caught both of his targets for 13 yards. On one of the catches, Portis lined up in the slot and ran an out for a first down.
| RB Ladell Betts, Rush: 9 - 44 - 0, Rec: 1 - 7 - 0 (1 targets) |
Betts ran nine times for 44 yards. He had gains of nine and 14 yards. Betts had one attempt from the Eagle seven yard line, but was stopped for a three yard gain. Betts caught one pass for seven yards.
| RB Mike Sellers (1 targets) |
Sellers was the intended target on a second and goal pass from the four yard line. However, Jason Campbell's pass was batted at the line.
| WR Antwaan Randle El, Pass: 1 - 1 - 18 - 1 TD / 0 INT, Rec: 3 - 34 - 0 (10 targets) |
Like Chris Cooley, Randle El was targeted ten times. However, Randle El caught only three passes for 34 yards. Randle El dropped three other catchable throws. However, he threw the fourth touchdown pass of his career; after taking an end around, he stopped in his tracks and threw an 18 yard touchdown pass to Chris Cooley.
| WR Devin Thomas, Rec: 2 - 28 - 0 (2 targets) |
Thomas, a rookie wide receiver, caught both of his targets. His first reception was a 16 yard gain that converted a third and 11. His other catch also converted a first down. Thomas was called for offensive pass interference negating a 12 yard catch by Santana Moss.
| WR Santana Moss (2 targets) |
Moss entered the game among the league leaders in receiving yardage. As a result, he was the focus of the Eagles' defensive game plan. Moss was frequently double covered and had a quiet game. His lone reception (12 yards) was called back due to a penalty. He dropped his other target early in the game; he was hit as the ball arrived.
| WR James Thrash (2 targets) |
Thrash was targeted twice. He was unable to hold a deep pass on a stop and go route that Campbell threw well. Thrash had the pass in his arms, but as he fell backwards to the ground, the ball popped out.
| WR Malcolm Kelly (1 targets) |
Kelly was targeted once unsuccessfully on a short route.
| TE Chris Cooley, Rec: 8 - 109 - 1 (10 targets) |
Cooley was the focus of the Washington passing game. Cooley often found himself covered by linebackers. As a result, he was targeted early and often. Cooley's 26 yard reception was good for Washington's longest pass play. He also caught an 18 yard touchdown pass from Antwaan Randle El. Cooley dropped a short swing pass, but likely wouldn't have gained much if anything had he caught it.
| TE Todd Yoder, Rec: 1 - 3 - 0 (1 targets) |
Yoder corralled his one chance for a short three yard gain.
| PK Shaun Suisham 3 - 3 FG, 2 - 2 XP, 11 points |
Suisham provided all of Washington's first half points with three field goals (from 41, 48, and 50). He nailed both of his extra point attempts to complete a perfect day.
| WAS Rush Defense |
The Redskins run defense held Philadelphia to 58 rushing yards. Brian Westbrook had successful opening drive, but gained only 11 yards the rest of the game. Washington held the Eagles without a first down for almost two consecutive quarters.
| WAS Pass Defense |
Although the Redskins pass defense was unable to sack Donovan McNabb, they were able to limit him and control the game. Washington forced no turnovers, but did make the Eagles go three and out on three consecutive possessions. Carlos Rogers dropped a potential interception that hit him right in the chest.
| QB Donovan McNabb, Pass: 17 - 29 - 196 - 0 TD / 0 INT |
McNabb started the game strongly and confidently led the Eagle offense down the field for a touchdown. He completed seven of his first eleven throws for 92 yards. McNabb and the Philadelphia offense struggled after that, however. He would complete only five of his next 13 attempts. McNabb got back on track in the fourth quarter and led the Eagles to their final score. He was a perfect five for five on the drive for 71 yards. He did not get another chance.
| RB Brian Westbrook, Rush: 12 - 33 - 1, Rec: 6 - 51 - 0 (7 targets) |
Westbrook showed no signs of the ankle injury that caused him to miss almost two games. He opened the game with a 16 yard gain on a screen pass. On the play, he was able to cut effectively on both legs. He also looked good with 22 rushing yards on the opening drive, including a bruising nine yard touchdown run up the middle. After the touchdown run, Westbrook came to the sideline and took off his shoulder pads, while trainers examined his chest. He later went to the locker room, but did return. The Eagles did not run the ball frequently for the rest of the game. However, Westbrook lost three yards on a key third and one from the Washington two yard line late in the game. The Eagles had to settle for a field goal.
Westbrook was McNabb's most targeted receiver and led the team with six receptions.
| RB Correll Buckhalter, Rush: 2 - 0 - 0 (1 targets) |
Buckhalter had only two attempts despite Westbrook's injury. He did not catch a pass.
| RB Tony Hunt, Rush: 1 - 6 - 0, Rec: 1 - 2 - 0 (1 targets) |
Hunt, the fullback, had one run for six yards. He also caught one pass for a two yard gain.
| RB Lorenzo Booker (1 targets) |
Booker caught his only target, a deep fade down the sideline, but he came down out of bounds.
| WR Reggie Brown, Rush: 1 - 6 - 0, Rec: 4 - 84 - 0 (5 targets) |
Brown was the Eagles' most targeted wide receiver in this game. He led the team in receiving yardage, thanks largely to a 40 yard reception. On the play, Brown had to leap forward to grab a low McNabb throw. He was untouched, so he got to his feet and gained nearly 30 extra yards. Brown dropped one pass.
Brown also took a pitch and ran an end around for a six yard gain.
| WR DeSean Jackson, Rush: 2 - 13 - 0, Rec: 1 - 8 - 0 (2 targets) |
Jackson caught only one pass for eight yards. He was not targeted after halftime. He ran an end around and a reverse for a total of 13 yards. Jackson's big play ability was highlighted when he returned a punt for a 68 yard touchdown in the first quarter.
| WR Greg Lewis, Rec: 1 - 22 - 0 (3 targets) |
Lewis contributed one reception for 22 yards. McNabb overthrew him on one of his targets, but Lewis could have caught the pass. He returned a pooch kick at the end of the first half for 31 yards, nearly breaking it for a potential touchdown.
| WR Jason Avant, Rec: 1 - 3 - 0 (3 targets) |
All of Avant's targets came in the second half. He caught only one pass for three yards.
| TE L.J. Smith, Rec: 3 - 26 - 0 (6 targets) |
Smith was targeted frequently early in the game and only once after halftime. He caught three passes. He was targeted in the end zone on the opening drive, but the pass hit the defender in the back.
| TE Brent Celek (1 targets) |
Celek dropped his only target in the first half. He was hit just as the pass arrived.
| PK David Akers 1 - 2 FG, 2 - 2 XP, 5 points |
Akers hit a short 23 yard field goal in the fourth quarter. He missed wide right on a 50 yard attempt early in the game. Akers is now three for 14 from outside of 40 yards in the past two years, including one for four this season.
| PHI Rush Defense |
The Eagles run defense entered the game allowing under 54 rushing yards per game. Ladell Betts, Washington's backup runner, nearly reached that total himself, while Clinton Portis came close to tripling it. In all, Washington ran for 203 yards. Portis had runs of 21 and 27 yards, the two longest running plays against the Eagles all season. Mike Patterson and Stewart Bradley both had eight solo tackles and two assists.
| PHI Pass Defense |
The number one focus of Philadelphia's defensive game plan was to shut down Santana Moss. The Eagles were successful in that goal. Unfortunately, the plan often left Chris Cooley to exploit linebacker coverage. Exploit he did. Cooley led Washington with eight receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Redskins did a good job of picking up Philadelphia's frequent blitzes. The Eagles tallied only one sack by Brian Dawkins; the sack was the 20th in the standout career of the former Clemson great.