Eagles Niners Preview

I am just gonna do a quick preview because my energy is all focused on the Phillies. And you can't blame me for that either.

It has become a theme as every week is a must win week for the Eagles who are behind their division rivals by over a game at least. Donvan McNabb called out his team, and himself. He said he was embarrassed on how he and the team played and they should not lose a game to a team he knows the Eagles are better than. I hope he fires up this offense because he didn't do that at all last week.

Preview after the jump:

Records: Eagles (2-3); Niners (2-3)
Last time met: Sept. 24, 2006. Eagles won 38-24. Mike Patterson returned a fumble 98 yards for the score.

Offense: They are without Brian Westbrook. Correll Buckhalter will get his second start of the season. McNabb wasn't good again either. I honestly can not say much about this offense because they didn't even utilize DeSean Jackson at all. The red zone offense hasn't been good but there is no way they can be terrible against San Fran. They still have good players and the ability to make big plays.

The Niners are just bad. They are led by JT O'Sullivan who at times shows he's not another QB that could die before his career starts in San Fran. But Tim Rattay showed promise too so you can't rely on that just yet. Frank Gore is solid but nothing like he was his rookie year.

Advantage: Eagles

Defense: They looked awful. In all three losses they got beat by a TE. Vernon Davis is good and he is gonna be tough to cover. They were finally exploited on the ground which isn't a worry to me. Clinton Portis knows how to run versus Philly. Frank Gore doesn't and he will be stuffed. The Niners will have to rely on Gore, especially after they Eagles can rattle Sullivan.

The Niners defense is just bad. The Eagles should be able to score on them. This game should not be close.

Advantage: Eagles

Injury Report:
Eagles: Probable: McNabb, LJ Smith; Questionable: Kevin Curtis; Out: Westbrook, Reggie Brown
Rams: Probable: Will Witherspoon; Out: Drew Bennett

Prediction: Eagles 24-6

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Eagles Redskins Preview

Sunday, 1p.m. the Eagles will host the rival Washington Redskins. It may be early in the season but this is a must win game for the Eagles for they do not want to fall further in the already tough NFC East.

Records: Eagles (2-2); Redskins (3-1)
Last time met: Nov. 11 2007. The Eagles beat the Redskins 33-25 in Washington
Best case scenario: Brian Westbrook plays and contributes to the offense in a big way. He shakes off the ankle injury and gains 150 yards from scrimmage with 2 TDs. Donovan McNabb also throws for 2 TDs. Trent Cole and Juqua Parker combine for 4 sacks and Asante Sameul picks off Jason Campbell. Brian Dawkins forces another fumble. Desean Jackson returns a punt for a TD.
Worst case scenario: Brian Westbrook breaks his ankle and is done for the season. McNabb can't get loose with his chest injury and throws 3 picks. Jason Campbell picks apart the Eagles secondary with 3 TDs to Santana Moss and Antwan Randel El. Clinton Portis is the first back to break 100 yards on the Eagles run defense and scores 2 TDs. The Eagles fall to 2-3 and are deeper in the basement in the East.

More after the jump:


Offenses: The Eagles will most likely have Brian Westbrook back for the game but he will not be 100% so don't expect too much from him. Correll Buckhalter probably get the majority of the work load. McNabb is hoping to shake his poor performance last week with a good one of his own this game. LJ Smith is questionable as well.

The Redskins offense is coming off of a huge win last week. Santana Moss is a deep threat again and Campbell is establishing himself as a pretty good quarterback. Portis is 5th in the league in rushing yards and has 3 TDs. He can be dangerous if not contained. Chris Cooly has been known for playing well versus the Birds and the Eagles had been burnt with TEs in their 2 losses.

Advantage: Even

Defenses: The Eagles defense got little pressure last week and the linebackers and secondary got burnt on 3 plays. Asante Samuel got embarrassed by Devin Hester on a fluke play but has been burnt a few times this year. I'm not worried about him though. The linebackers need to do a better job at containing the TE and the backs. They are first in the league in rushing yards allowed.

The Redskins defense is 12th in the league in points allowed and 14th in total yards. Their line is with out Jason Taylor and the secondary with out Shawn Springs. They will have a tough time containing Jackson if he plays like he did before his fumble last week

Advantage: Eagles

Injury Report:
Eagles: Doubtful: G Shawn Andrews, DE Victor Abiamari, WR Kevin Curtis; Questionable: RB Brian Westbrook, TE LJ Smith

Redskins: Out: DE Jason Taylor; Doubtful: T Stephon Heyer, Quesitonable: S Shawn Springs, LB Marcus Washington

On paper the Eagles are better but that doesn't matter (i.e. Washington vs. Dallas and Philly vs. Chicago). They need to up the pressure and play smart football, true John Madden-isms.

Prediction: Eagles 31; Washington 14

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Weekly Preview 2.25-3.2

Monday, February 25
Flyers @ Sabres - 7 pm Versus
Villanova vs Marquette - 7 pm ESPN

Wednesday, February 27
Sixers vs Orlando 7 pm Comcast Sportsnet

Thursday, February 28
Flyers vs Ottawa 7 pmComcast Sportsnet

Friday, February 29
Sixers @ Golden State 10:30 pm Comcast Sportsnet

Saturday, March 1
Flyers @ Islanders 2:00 pm Comcast Sportsnet
Sixers @ Suns 9:00 pm Comcast Sportsnet

Sunday, March 2
Flyers @ Rangers 12:30 pm NBC
Villanova @ Louisville 4:00 pm CBS

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