NFL Preview - Washington (1-0) at Philadelphia (0-1)
(Sports Network) - Donovan McNabb returns to the scene of his devastating knee injury on Monday night, when the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback leads his team into the latest installment of a division rivalry with the Washington Redskins.
McNabb will be playing his first meaningful game at Lincoln Financial Field since last Nov. 19th, when he tore his right ACL after being nudged out of bounds by Tennessee Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. The five-time Pro Bowl honoree would miss the final eight games of the 2006 campaign, and would watch as backup Jeff Garcia rallied Philly from a 5-5 start to a 10-6 record and a division title.
Garcia is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and McNabb is attempting to work himself back to 100 percent health.
After appearing sparingly in the preseason, the Syracuse product played to mixed reviews in last week's 16-13 loss at Green Bay.
McNabb completed just 15-of-33 passes for 184 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the defeat, running his career record to 3-5 in Week 1 starts.
On Monday, McNabb will be trying to keep Philadelphia from its first 0-2 opening since 2003.
The Redskins, meanwhile, will be attempting to build on last week's 16-13 overtime win over the Dolphins, and will also be trying to reverse some dismal recent history against the Eagles.
Washington is 2-9 in its last 11 meetings with Philadelphia, and has averaged just 14.2 points per game over that span.
SERIES HISTORY
The Redskins hold a 74-64-5 lead in their all-time series with the Eagles, but were swept in a home-and-home by their NFC East rival last season. Washington was a 27-3 loser at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 10, and dropped a 21-19 decision at FedEx Field in Week 14. Washington swept a 2005 home-and-home with Philly, including a 31-20 road win.
In addition to their regular season advantage, the Redskins won the only postseason meeting between the clubs, a 20-6 road triumph in a 1990 NFC First- Round Playoff.
Washington head coach Joe Gibbs is 19-12 against the Eagles in his career, including the aforementioned playoff victory. Philadelphia's Andy Reid is 11-5 versus the Redskins since taking over in 1999, including 4-2 against Gibbs.
WHEN THE REDSKINS HAVE THE BALL
The strength of the Redskins offense in their win over the Dolphins was the running game, which saw Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts combined for 157 yards and a touchdown on 34 combined carries. Portis led the way with 98 yards and a score on 17 totes, in what was his first action since his 2006 ended prematurely due to a broken hand. The former Pro Bowler scored Washington's only touchdown of the day, a 19-yarder in the third quarter. Quarterback Jason Campbell was not at his sharpest, finishing the day 12-of-21 for 222 yards with two interceptions, and failing to throw a touchdown pass in a start for the first time in his young career. The club did see some progress in the receiving game however, with Antwaan Randle El turning in a career-best 162- yard day. Usual top targets Santana Moss (3 receptions, 28 yards) and tight end Chris Cooley (1 reception, 10 yards) were not as productive, however. Washington also lost right tackle Jon Jansen for the season due to a broken ankle in the victory.
A new-look Eagles linebacking corps looked good in the season-opening loss to Green Bay, but will face a much tougher task in facing Washington's stronger running game. New starters Takeo Spikes (9 tackles), Omar Gaither (3 tackles), and Chris Gocong (3 tackles) were at the heart of a unit that allowed just 46 ground yards on the day, while third-year man Mike Patterson contributed 10 stops and a sack from his interior line position. The pass rush received high marks against the Packers as well, with ends Trent Cole and Jevon Kearse combining for two of the team's four sacks on the day. In the secondary, cornerback Sheldon Brown was credited with his first interception of the season, but the Eagles took a hit when corner Lito Sheppard was lost for up to a month with a knee problem.
WHEN THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL
Though McNabb will garner most of the headlines for Philadelphia in the build- up to Monday's contest, Washington will likely be just as focused on stopping running back and D.C-area native Brian Westbrook. The former Pro Bowler highlighted the Eagles' Week 1 loss, leading the Birds in both the ground (20 carries, 85 yards) and pass-catching games (6 receptions, 46 yards). McNabb will try to get his receivers more involved this week, specifically Reggie Brown (1 reception, 14 yards), Kevin Curtis (2 receptions, 53 yards), and tight end L.J. Smith (2 receptions, 14 yards), who were all mostly quiet in defeat. McNabb's most productive target was second-year man Jason Avant, who hauled in three passes for 54 yards and scored the club's lone touchdown of the day on a nine-yard play in the second quarter. McNabb was sacked just once against Green Bay.
A Redskins defense that had major trouble making plays in 2006 made a bit of progress against the Dolphins, managing to pry a turnover away from Miami and even getting to quarterback Trent Green for a couple of sacks. Linebacker Rocky McIntosh forced a Jesse Chatman fumble that was recovered by cornerback Shawn Springs in the second quarter, though the Redskins were unable to turn the miscue into any points. The sacks went to the blossoming McIntosh and defensive end Andre Carter, who built on a strong final month of '06 with his first QB takedown of the year. New faces in the Washington defensive lineup included middle linebacker London Fletcher, who made a team-best 12 tackles, and rookie safety LaRon Landry, the club's first-round draft pick who contributed three sacks to the proceedings. The Skins allowed just 273 yards of total offense in the win, including 66 on 20 carries in the ground game.
FANTASY FOCUS
McNabb and Portis were both seen as risky Week 1 fantasy plays, since managers weren't sure what either player would do coming off of their injuries. Those that started McNabb were likely disappointed, while those who put Portis in the lineup were largely rewarded for the risk. McNabb should get better from Week 1 to Week 2, and is worth starting. Elsewhere for the Eagles, Westbrook always puts up numbers, David Akers is a reliable kicker, and the defense tends to turn in a few big plays. Stay away from this team's receivers, however. Washington has little to recommend besides perhaps Portis and maybe hot-and-cold tight end Chris Cooley, though kicker Shaun Suisham (three field goals last week) might get some consideration in a few leagues. Those who start Randle El based on last week's performance are likely to get burned - last Sunday was just the second 100-yard receiving game of the wideout's six- year pro career.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Though these opponents experienced opposite results in Week 1, both showed a great deal about the teams they will likely become. The Redskins barely beat a pretty poor Dolphins club, not displaying much offensive consistency and still searching long and hard for big plays on defense. The Eagles lost to an inferior Packers team based mainly on special teams gaffes, but played reasonably well on defense and showed most of their rust on offense, where McNabb is not 100 percent. As he gets closer to full health, look for the quarterback to begin looking like himself again, and for Philly to restore its winning ways. Meanwhile, look for the same old Washington team to begin receding into its familiar place in the darkness with a loss on Monday night, setting suffering Skins fans up for yet another journey to the land of sub-.500.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Eagles 28, Redskins 10
Monday Night preview
VegasInsider.com
The tradition of Monday Night Football rolls into Week 2 when two NFC East rivals draw from the hip in hopes of gaining some momentum within the division. Washington will make the short trek to Lincoln Financial Field with the mission to down a Philadelphia team that is looking to bounce back from a disappointing, last second 16-13 loss in Green Bay.
Most books have installed the Eagles as seven-point home favorites, with a total set at 38 ½.
Taking a quick trip back to the opening week in football, Philadelphia signal caller Donovan McNabb tried to gel with the receiving core, but to no avail. McNabb struggled against the Packers, throwing for 184 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His pass completion percentage was just 45.5.
Not much more can be said about Washington’s offensive staff last week. Yes, an overtime win in Miami was a wonderfully wrapped gift, but quarterback Jason Campbell didn’t step up to the big stage. His 222 passing yards with two picks and no scores was an early indication that Washington’s offensive leader needs to either spray the WD-40 on that arm to loosen the rust or his skills need some fine tuning.
If we were to break down this game by position, it should come as no surprise that Eagles’ QB McNabb should emerge well above the young signal caller Campbell (at least on paper and in talent).
Philadelphia is 27-10-1 ATS in its last 38 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
Moving into the running department, we have two top-notch backs on both sides of the field.
Washington starting halfback Clinton Portis missed the 100-yard mark in the win against Miami. His 98 yards on the ground and one TD was just enough fire power to make up for Campbell’s ineptness through the air.
The 'Skins are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Then there’s the always reliable Philly RB Brian Westbrook. With the offensive line opening up some nice holes, Westbrook broke open for 85 yards last week.
In their last 12 head-to-head meetings since 2001, Westbrook has amassed a total of 429 yards with only one score. However, you have to take into account that Westbrook began his NFL campaign in 2002 with limited time during that season. So give or take 10 games during his career versus Washington, Westbrook has averaged a low 42.9 yards per game (versus the Skins).
In their last 12 meetings together, Philadelphia is 7-5 against the spread and 3-3 ATS when playing at home. When listed as an underdog, Washington has gone on to produce a 3-6 ATS record in head-to-head games with Philly (since 2001).
On a defensive note in the Eagles' locker room, corner back Lito Sheppard remains questionable up until game time. Sheppard suffered a sprained knee ligament in a collision late in the first half against Green Bay in Week 1. If Sheppard doesn’t get the nod for Monday Night's contest, then expect CB Joselio Hanson to step up in the backfield. This could be a tough spot for the three-year vet out of Texas Tech.
If your interested in playing totals, especially when wagering some dollars on this matchup, then be aware of the following trends: the ‘under’ has cashed at a 5-1-1 clip in the last seven contests between these teams, and the ‘under’ has gone 5-1-1 for the Redskins in their last seven Monday Night games. However, Philly has nailed the ‘over’ with a 13-3-1 record in its last 17 games when tagged as a home favorite of 3 ½-10 points.
McNabb's best rushing performance was against 'Skins
September 16, 2007
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Donovan McNabb had only shown flashes of his running skills until a game against the Redskins seven years ago instantly turned him into an elite scrambling quarterback.
McNabb was in his second season in the NFL and his first full year as a starter when the Eagles visited Washington in Week 13 of the 2000 season. The game had important playoff implications for Philadelphia, which was only two years removed from a 3-13 finish.
Early on, McNabb made it clear he wanted to be known as a pass-first quarterback, even though he was an elusive runner whenever he decided to tuck the ball and take off. But when running back Duce Staley was lost for the season in Week 5, McNabb became the Eagles' best threat on the ground.
Against the Redskins on Nov. 26, McNabb displayed moves that could make any running back envious. He frustrated defenders with hurdles, jukes, power and pure speed, finishing with 125 yards rushing - at the time the most by an NFL quarterback in 28 years.
Replays of McNabb racing past Bruce Smith, faking Mark Carrier with a stunning open-field move and dragging Matt Stevens into the end zone on a 21-yard touchdown scamper have been shown thousands of times over the years. He had two other downright sensational runs, including a career-best 54-yard jaunt.
``He's Houdini,'' teammate Brian Mitchell said after that game.
It'll be a different McNabb when the Eagles (0-1) host the Redskins (1-0) at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night.
The five-time Pro Bowl QB is playing his second regular-season game since tearing a knee ligament in Week 11 last year. He had a so-so performance in a 16-13 loss at Green Bay, and didn't seem too eager to run out of the pocket unless necessary. McNabb scrambled four times for 9 yards against the Packers, and completed fewer than half of his passes (15-for-33) for 184 yards, one TD and one interception.
``Well, the explosion is not where it was when I was healthy, but it will get there again eventually,'' McNabb said. ``At this point, you wouldn't expect it to be to the point of where you were when you were healthy. I still can get out of the pocket. I still can cut and do all that, but as far as that explosion is concerned, that's not where it was before.''
Eagles coach Andy Reid isn't concerned, though he's one play away from probably having to use a rookie if McNabb goes down. Kevin Kolb likely would make his NFL debut because backup A.J. Feeley is questionable after having a second surgery on his broken non-throwing hand.
``You know what I thought was important is that he got through the full game and had an opportunity to play the full game,'' Reid said. ``I think he'll just continue to improve as we go on and continue to get stronger and naturally trust more in the leg.''
McNabb's main priority remains to throw the ball. He prefers dropping back and letting it go downfield or dumping off underneath over getting chased around.
``You want to stay a passer first,'' he said. ``When I would have to move in the pocket, you still keep your eyes downfield. If nothing's there, then you pick up yards.''
McNabb has been very successful against the Redskins, going 9-3 in 12 career starts. He beat them with his arm last year in his final game before getting hurt against Tennessee. McNabb threw for 257 yards and two TDs, including an 84-yard score to Donte' Stallworth, and only ran for 12 yards in a 27-3 victory.
Redskins assistant coach Gregg Williams has seen enough of McNabb over the years to worry about his defense facing him.
``Donovan is a special player,'' Williams said. ``I have a lot of respect for him. I thought he had a very good preseason. He looks like he is back. Obviously when you watch him orchestrate that offense, he knows exactly what Andy wants. He is able to be a coach on the field after all these years in that system.''
The Redskins are coming off a 16-13 overtime win against Miami, a nice start after going 5-11 in Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs' worst season. They're a 7-point underdog at Philadelphia, which wants to avoid its first 0-2 start since 2003.
``We want to win this division and this is one step in doing that,'' running back Clinton Portis said. ``We have a big opportunity on Monday night at their home field. We know they are going to come out and give us everything they have, being that they are already down one game. This would be a big win for them, but it will be an even bigger win for us, if we can get it.''
Betting trends: Redskins at Eagles
Redskins
Under is 6-1-1 in Redskins last 8 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
Under is 5-1-1 in Redskins last 7 Monday games.
Over is 5-1-2 in Redskins last 8 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-1-1 in Redskins last 6 games in September.
Under is 4-1-2 in Redskins last 7 games in Week 2.
Over is 4-1 in Redskins last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 4-1-1 in Redskins last 6 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0.
Eagles
Eagles are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Eagles are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NFC East.
Under is 5-1 in Eagles last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 13-3-1 in Eagles last 17 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 13-3-1 in Eagles last 17 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0.
Under is 4-1-1 in Eagles last 6 home games.
Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 games overall.
Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 vs. NFC.
Head to head
Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Favorite is 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Home team is 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
New Bodog Betting Preview For Washington-Philadelphia MNF
Sep 17th, 2007
The Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles will both be gunning for a victory on Monday when they meet at Lincoln Financial Field. “There was no middle class in the NFL this weekend,” says Cy McCormick of MasterLockLine.com, “the sharp players and wise guy bettors cleaned up, but the general public got buried.”
NewBodog currently have the Eagles listed as 7-point favorites versus the Redskins, while the game’s total is sitting at 39.
The Redskins defeated Miami 16-13 in overtime as a 3-point favorite in Week 1. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (34.5). Shaun Suisham kicked a 39-yard field goal in overtime for Washington, while Clinton Portis rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
The Eagles lost to Green Bay 16-13 as a 3-point favorite in Week 1. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (42.5).
Donovan McNabb completed 15-of-33 passes for 184 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Philadelphia, while Brian Westbrook had 20 carries for 85 yards.
Sports betting computer trends against the spread show that Washington is 11-3 on the road to teams with a losing home record. But they are 3-7 their last 10 Monday Night Football bets. They are also only 2-8 following a game in which they got more than 350 total yards last game.
Philadelphia is a fantastic 41-16 to the sportsbooks after allowing less than 90 yards rushing last game.
Team records:
Washington: 1-0 SU, 0-0-1 ATS
Philadelphia: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing in September are 6-4
When playing on grass are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing within the division are 5-5
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing in September are 7-3
When playing on grass are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing within the division are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington’s last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 7 games
Washington is 8-15-1 ATS in its last 24 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia’s last 7 games when playing Washington
Philadelphia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games
Next up:
Washington home to NY Giants, Sunday, September 23
Philadelphia home to Detroit, Sunday, September 23.
Redskins and Eagles put a wrap on Week 2
Chance Harper
It was a wild ride in the NFL on Sunday with seven teams scoring 30+ and dogs popping the favorites at an 11-3-1 clip against the spread. The Cleveland Browns' stunning 51-45 win over the Cincinnati Bengals fit in both categories with high offense and the dogs not only covering, but winning straight up.
If you thought the Week 2 NFL spreads were just too generous, you were right. Underdogs went wild on Sunday, going 6-9 straight up and a whopping 11-3-1 against the spread.
Sometimes it was just dumb luck. The Tennessee Titans, for example, were outplayed on both sides of the ball by the Indianapolis Colts. But Peyton Manning and his receivers were a little out of sync once they got near the red zone; Adam Vinatieri was 3-for-4 on field goals as the Colts settled for a 22-20 win as 7-point faves.
Other teams made the betting public look silly. The imploding New York Giants were favored by a point at home over the defensively strong Green Bay Packers; that spread went up to three points when Eli Manning was declared fit enough to start at quarterback. No matter; Green Bay ventilated the shorthanded Giants’ defense and pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 35-13 victory.
And some games defied logic, like the Cleveland Browns downing the visiting Cincinnati Bengals 51-45 as 7-point puppies. That Arena League score left home dogs at 4-1 ATS on the day, making them the best play of the day at 80 percent. Road dogs were 7-2-1 for a 77.8 percent success rate.
Thanks in part to Carson Palmer (six TD passes) and Derek Anderson (five TDs), the Over rebounded from its 5-11 effort in Week 1 with an 8-6-1 result. Chances are your fantasy football team racked up some serious mileage; the Bengals and Browns were among seven teams to post at least 30 points on Sunday.
But will the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins keep the offensive parade going in their Monday night matchup? The total for that contest is a mere 38½ points, and bettors appear to prefer the Under after both teams were involved in 16-13 finals during Week 1. The Eagles are favored by seven points.
If you’re a big believer in trends, you’re probably all over Philadelphia in this one -- especially if you believe in the power of Monday Night Football. Washington is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 MNF appearances, while the Eagles are on an 11-5 ATS roll in the national spotlight. The favorite is also 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven meetings between these two clubs.
The betting public has your back. About two-thirds of them are on Philadelphia, according to reports on the betting patterns. However, they’re supplying barely over half the action. The Eagles remain a public team whenever Donovan McNabb takes the field; Washington, on the other hand, has enjoyed just four winning seasons and two trips to the playoffs since coach Joe Gibbs first left the team after the 1992 campaign.
Gibbs has been back for four years now, and his front office has been a dog’s breakfast since his return. Things reached their nadir last year, with Al Saunders promoted to 'Associate Head Coach - Offense' while Don Breaux remained the coordinator. Saunders is a protégé of Don 'Air' Coryell and worked under Mike Martz when the St. Louis Rams were the Greatest Show on Turf. Breaux was with Gibbs during his first tour of duty in Washington, when running backs like John Riggins and Earnest Byner were featured prominently.
Have they finally achieved some sense of offensive balance? Jason Campbell showed flashes of his talent in his first Opening Day start, but lacked consistency and threw a pair of interceptions. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, meanwhile, combined for 141 rushing yards in Washington’s win over Miami (+3). Until Campbell gets his timing down, the Redskins’ offense should continue to see most of its gains on the ground.
The Eagles are also trying to make a commitment to balancing their offense. Instead of relying on McNabb’s arm, they ran the ball 29 times last week against the Packers, while six of McNabb’s 33 passes went to RB Brian Westbrook. Given the solid defenses both teams possess, another week of ball-control offense from the Eagles should produce another tight, low-scoring affair.
im on th eover here, too low in my opinion
NFL Inactives (Monday, September 17, 2007)
September 17th, 2007
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The following is a list of the players placed on the inactive squad for this week's NFL games.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, 8:30 P.M. (ET)
Redskins - 3RD QB Mark Brunell, DE Phillip Daniels, DT Lorenzo Alexander, CB Fred Smoot, S Vernon Fox, WR Shaun Bodiford, TE Cody Boyd, WR Reche Caldwell.
Eagles - 3RD QB A.J. Feeley, G Scott Young, T Pat McCoy, RB Tony Hunt, DE Victor Abiamiri, DT LaJuan Ramsey, LB Pago Togafau, CB Lito Sheppard.