WAS at PHI: 3 things you need to know
The Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles kick off NFC East divisional play Sunday with first place in the division on the line. The 2-0 Eagles are fresh off a second consecutive comeback victory. The Redskins gave head coach Jay Gruden his first win by dismantling the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.
Here are three things you need to know:
New look Redskins, new results?
When they looked at their schedule before the season, the Redskins surely didn't expect to field this lineup for their first of six crucial games against divisional opponents. The plan was for a fully healthy Robert Griffin III to lead a receiving corps bolstered by DeSean Jackson, a player seeking vengeance against his former team.
Plans change in a hurry in the NFL. A severe ankle injury suffered vs. the Jaguars will force Griffin to miss the game (and likely many more), and Jackson is questionable to play with a sprained shoulder.
Kirk Cousins' must now carry the offense. If you believe the rumors, not everyone in the Redskins organization thinks he's a step down from Griffin. Early indications support the idea the Redskins will be fine with Cousins at the helm. The third-year pro was 22-of-33 for 250 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Griffin vs. the Jaguars.
Jackson's revenge could be on hold
Jackson will be a game-time decision Sunday, but one would imagine only crippling pain will prevent him from suiting up against his former teammates.
Jackson's unceremonious exit from Philadelphia dominated headlines this spring. The team's decision to cut its 2013 receiving leader came as a shock to many. Over time, reports of Jackson and Kelly butting heads emerged, along with allegations (perhaps leaked by the Eagles) that Jackson's ties to gang members expedited his exit.
The Redskins gave Jackson $24 million over three years with the idea he can be the missing piece to put the team's offense over the top. There's no better time and place for Jackson to start earning that money than in Philadelphia on Sunday.
No. 1 offense vs. No. 1 defense
It's still too early to say who the NFL's best offenses and defenses are, but the the Eagles and Redskins are currently ranked No. 1 in total yards on offense and defense respectively.
Since introducing the pro game to his frenetic, analytics-based system in Week 1 last season (a win over the Redskins), Chip Kelly's offense has been exactly as advertised. Kelly's Eagles run more plays than you thought possible and find open space on the field where other teams simply cannot. Even with quarterback Nick Foles struggling badly for long stretches this season, the Eagles have had little trouble moving the ball.
The Redskins defense, on the other hand, is one of the early season's most pleasant surprises. Jim Haslett's unit sacked Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne 10 times in Week 2. Was that a product of a terrible Jaguars line or a burgeoning Redskins pass rush? The Eagles will present a far more formidable challenge.