The Redskins began the game slowly, allowing the Eagles to march down the field on their opening drive in typical Eagles fashion handing off and throwing the football repeatedly to RB Brian Westbrook. After methodically moving the ball down the field, Westbrook ran it in from 9 yards out.
After a quick 3 and out, P Durant Brooks served up yet another low 37 yard punt and WR DeSean Jackson sped through the Redskins wave of special teamers and returned it for a touchdown. On a positive note, Jackson was polite and did say "Thank you" to Brooks as he flew passed him on his way to the end zone.
Even though it was early in the game, it looked as it it were already over. "Hah!" shouted head coach Jim Zorn. "Now, we have them right where we want them!" And he was right. The Redskins stuck together like white on rice and put an early end to the Eagles offense. Although they were down 14 points, the Redskins stuck with their game plan and began giving the Eagles #1 rated rushing defense a steady and overpowering dose of RB Clinton Portis. Over the next 3 1/2 quarters, Portis racked up 145 yards on 29 carries and even chipped in with 2 receptions for 13 yards.
QB Jason Campbell had another positive and turnover free game going 16/29 for 176 yards and completed passes to 6 different receivers. However, it was disappointing and concerning that WR Santana Moss, the team's #1 WR, did not catch a pass.
The Redskins played tremendous football from the middle of the first quarter on. The offense was steady and productive and the defense seems to be excelling at coverage and running down opponents' rushers. However, there are still many concerns for the Redskins and while many experts say the Redskins are for real and will not fade as the season progresses, it is difficult to believe.
For the second week in a row, the Redskins registered 0 sacks. That is a major problem that the Redskins must resolve if they are going to make a serious playoff push in 2008. They must find a way to get to the quarterback. They are relying far too much on their cornerbacks and safeties to play perfect coverage. On offense, the Redskins have been near perfect with turnovers and Jason Campbell has yet to throw an interception this season. Campbell's low numbers are still concerning though. Yes, he is still a young quarterback and, yes, he is learning yet another new offensive system, but Jim Zorm must find a way to get more production out of the passing game if the Redskins are going to put up a serious fight in the NFC East. Campbell typically only throws for 175-200 yards per game with a YPA of 6-7 yards.
Zorn will have to open up the offense in the second half of the year in order to take pressure off of Clinton Portis. Campbell cannot be expected to play all season without giving up an interception or Portis a fumble. Without a dominant defense, the Redskins will need to get Campbell up to the 250 yards per game average for them to pose a serious threat.
The Redskins are on the right track on offense and defense, but they are still 1-2 seasons away from being a legitimate power in the NFL and that is only if they address their needs in the draft and through free agency correctly. For now, it is great to see the Redskins having some early success, especially on the road against their bitter rivals. Enojy it, relish it and soak it all in because odds are, they can not keep it up all season.
Final Score: Washington 23 - Philadelphia 17
Highlights of the Redskins' week 5 Win over the Philadelphia EaglesJacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog
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