KIDWCKED
12-20-2014, 08:39 PM
c/p from espn.com
No longer in control of their playoff destiny, the battered and turnover-prone Philadelphia Eagles are facing what amounts to a must-win situation against the historically bad Washington Redskins.
With the visiting Eagles looking to avoid their longest losing streak in 15 months, Robert Griffin III hopes to make the most of another opportunity Saturday and help the Redskins halt a six-game losing streak.
Philadelphia (9-5) led the NFC East following a impressive win at Dallas in Week 13, but back-to-back home losses to Seattle and the Cowboys have dropped the defending division champs one game back in the division.
Now the Eagles need to beat Washington and the New York Giants and a Dallas loss to either Indianapolis or the Redskins to return to the top. They'll have to win both games while Seattle, Green Bay or Detroit has to lose twice to secure a wild card berth.
"I don't know if playing a scenario out in your head makes you feel better or whatever; I don't know how that helps you," coach Chip Kelly said. "It's about one thing we can do and that's go out and play against Washington on Saturday."
Kelly understands his squad will likely have to cut down on its league-high 34 turnovers to reach its goals.
With injured quarterback Nick Foles not quite ready to return, Mark Sanchez hopes to bounce back after completing just 56.3 percent of his passes for a combined 348 yards with two scores and three picks in his past two.
"That's what has been hurting us," Sanchez said. "We need better ball security and that starts with me."
Washington (3-11) is tied for 31st with five interceptions and has forced 16 turnovers on the season. The Redskins are also allowing 28.3 points per game during a skid that has guaranteed a last-place finish for the sixth time in seven seasons.
Following a 24-13 loss to the Giants last Sunday, they've lost 19 of 22 for the franchise's worst stretch since the 1960s.
Washington has been particularly ineffective offensively, averaging 12.0 points over its past five games. Alfred Morris has struggled on the ground, rushing for a combined 55 yards on 22 carries in the last two.
Griffin will be back under center after he was benched two weeks ago amid criticism from coach Jay Gruden over the former Heisman Trophy winner's ability to lead the offense. He went 18 of 27 passing for 236 yards with a touchdown and also ran for a season-best 46 yards last Sunday after Colt McCoy aggravated a neck injury.
"He's got every chance this week against the Eagles to take this position and run with it," Gruden said. "And I'd like to see him have some urgency about him and play well, and hopefully there won't be much of a debate if he does well."
Washington's leaky offensive line has given up the league's second-most sacks with 53. That certainly doesn't bode well heading into a matchup with the Eagles, who rank second with 47 behind Connor Barwin's 14.5.
Philadelphia, though, will be without outside linebacker Trent Cole after he had surgery on his broken left hand. Brandon Graham will make his first start since 2012 when he was a defensive end in a 4-3 alignment.
The Eagles, who have allowed 29.8 points per game over their last five, did not record a sack while allowing Kirk Cousins to throw for 427 yards in a 37-34 victory over the visiting Redskins on Sept. 21.
Foles started for the Eagles, finding Jordan Matthews for two touchdowns and Jeremy Maclin for another score. Maclin has 16 catches for 270 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games versus Washington.
LeSean McCoy managed 22 rushing yards on 1.2 per carry -- his worst average since his rookie 2009 season -- after he had run for a combined 261 and three scores in two 2013 matchups.
The Eagles have won the past three meetings.
No longer in control of their playoff destiny, the battered and turnover-prone Philadelphia Eagles are facing what amounts to a must-win situation against the historically bad Washington Redskins.
With the visiting Eagles looking to avoid their longest losing streak in 15 months, Robert Griffin III hopes to make the most of another opportunity Saturday and help the Redskins halt a six-game losing streak.
Philadelphia (9-5) led the NFC East following a impressive win at Dallas in Week 13, but back-to-back home losses to Seattle and the Cowboys have dropped the defending division champs one game back in the division.
Now the Eagles need to beat Washington and the New York Giants and a Dallas loss to either Indianapolis or the Redskins to return to the top. They'll have to win both games while Seattle, Green Bay or Detroit has to lose twice to secure a wild card berth.
"I don't know if playing a scenario out in your head makes you feel better or whatever; I don't know how that helps you," coach Chip Kelly said. "It's about one thing we can do and that's go out and play against Washington on Saturday."
Kelly understands his squad will likely have to cut down on its league-high 34 turnovers to reach its goals.
With injured quarterback Nick Foles not quite ready to return, Mark Sanchez hopes to bounce back after completing just 56.3 percent of his passes for a combined 348 yards with two scores and three picks in his past two.
"That's what has been hurting us," Sanchez said. "We need better ball security and that starts with me."
Washington (3-11) is tied for 31st with five interceptions and has forced 16 turnovers on the season. The Redskins are also allowing 28.3 points per game during a skid that has guaranteed a last-place finish for the sixth time in seven seasons.
Following a 24-13 loss to the Giants last Sunday, they've lost 19 of 22 for the franchise's worst stretch since the 1960s.
Washington has been particularly ineffective offensively, averaging 12.0 points over its past five games. Alfred Morris has struggled on the ground, rushing for a combined 55 yards on 22 carries in the last two.
Griffin will be back under center after he was benched two weeks ago amid criticism from coach Jay Gruden over the former Heisman Trophy winner's ability to lead the offense. He went 18 of 27 passing for 236 yards with a touchdown and also ran for a season-best 46 yards last Sunday after Colt McCoy aggravated a neck injury.
"He's got every chance this week against the Eagles to take this position and run with it," Gruden said. "And I'd like to see him have some urgency about him and play well, and hopefully there won't be much of a debate if he does well."
Washington's leaky offensive line has given up the league's second-most sacks with 53. That certainly doesn't bode well heading into a matchup with the Eagles, who rank second with 47 behind Connor Barwin's 14.5.
Philadelphia, though, will be without outside linebacker Trent Cole after he had surgery on his broken left hand. Brandon Graham will make his first start since 2012 when he was a defensive end in a 4-3 alignment.
The Eagles, who have allowed 29.8 points per game over their last five, did not record a sack while allowing Kirk Cousins to throw for 427 yards in a 37-34 victory over the visiting Redskins on Sept. 21.
Foles started for the Eagles, finding Jordan Matthews for two touchdowns and Jeremy Maclin for another score. Maclin has 16 catches for 270 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games versus Washington.
LeSean McCoy managed 22 rushing yards on 1.2 per carry -- his worst average since his rookie 2009 season -- after he had run for a combined 261 and three scores in two 2013 matchups.
The Eagles have won the past three meetings.