2011 Record: 5-11
Overall Series Record: 71-79-6
Record at FedEx Field: 10-5
Last Meeting: October 16, 2011 – Eagles 20, Redskins 13
Game Recap: Touchdowns from LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek helped the Eagles snap a four-game losing streak as they took out their division foes. Kurt Coleman earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after his sterling three-interception performance.
Key Offseason Moves
In: QB Robert Griffin, WR Pierre Garcon, TE Fred Davis, WR Josh Morgan, S Brandon Meriweather, DE Adam Carriker, DB Cedric Griffin
Out: S LaRon Landry, S O.J. Atogwe
The Redskins have such a history of free agent spending that their foray into the market this offseason, which included big money contracts for wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, actually seemed somewhat demure. But that's partially because their signature move over the last few months was the bold trade for the second overall draft pick that demanded a heavy price of three first-round draft picks among other draft selections. It was a hefty price to pay, but the addition of Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III could prove worthwhile for a franchise that has long been searching for a signature quarterback.
With Griffin already entrenched as the starter, this game will serve as the Eagles' official introduction to a player who figures to be a nemesis for years to come. Unfortunately, Griffin will already have 10 weeks of NFL football under his belt to prepare him for Juan Castillo's defense. The dual threat quar-terback who can beat you from anywhere on the field still has plenty of concerns around him however. Even with the additions of Garcon and Morgan, the Redskins' receivers aren't likely to strike fear in opposing secondaries. The offensive line, meanwhile, ranked 19th in sacks allowed per pass attempt last year while ranking only 25th in rushing. The previously anemic offense could certainly use some of Griffin's fire power.
The Redskins defense, however, has the pieces to be a high quality unit. Pass rushers like Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo on the outside figure to put pressure on the quarterback, while the ageless London Fletcher cleans up the mess in the middle of the field. Where the Redskins can be exploited is precisely where the Eagles have exploited them in the past – deep down the field. We all remember DeSean Jackson's touchdown on the first play of the game over LaRon Landry in 2009, but the Redskins are now without both of their safeties from last year in Landry and new Eagle O.J. Atogwe. Brandon Meriweather was brought in this offseason, but too much shouldn't be expect of him after the former first-round pick was released by the Patriots and failed to make a positive impact on the Chica-go Bears in 2011.
So when it comes to game time in mid-November, expect the Eagles to be willing to unleash their full offensive arsenal, especially Jackson, a long time Redskins killer. If the Eagles extend their winning streak at FedEx Field to four, they'll have succeeded in giving Griffin their own rude welcome to the NFC East.
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