National Football League

Previewing Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles In NFL Week 6

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden on the field before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles are getting ready to square off in a classic rivalry matchup during Week 6. Here is how we expect the game to play out.

The Washington Redskins are getting ready to play in a huge division matchup that could help shake up the standings. The Philadelphia Eagles are coming to town, and they bring a 3-1 record with them. The Redskins check in at 3-2, and the winner of the game will likely be in sole possession of second place in the NFC East by the end of the game (though there are scenarios where both teams could be in first).

The Eagles have looked strong to start the season, but is it all a mirage? The Redskins struggled to begin the season but have played better of late. Will that continue? These are the questions that are on the table heading into this critical Week 6 matchup.

With that said, it is time for us to answer the questions. Here is a full preview and prediction for what will happen during this Sunday’s Redskins-Eagles game.

Oct 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) points to Baltimore Ravens defensive end Lawrence Guy (93) after a lat hit call during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Redskins Passing Game vs. Eagles Defense

The Redskins passing attack has looked good as of late after having some issues to start the season. Kirk Cousins is beginning to look like a productive starting quarterback once again, as he appears to have fixed some of the accuracy issues that plagued him at the beginning of the year. He has still been guilty of some poor throws, like last week’s interception against the Ravens, but he definitely has been better. Against the Eagles, he should continue to have some success.

The Eagles are currently ranked sixth in the league in overall pass defense, but their defensive weakness is, without a doubt, in the secondary. Last week against the Lions, the team limited their opponent’s passing yards to 180, but they allowed three passing touchdowns. Two came off red zone passes to Theo Riddick, while one came in the red zone to Marvin Jones. Essentially, the cornerbacks have mediocre coverage skills. Leodis McKelvin and Nolan Carroll are decent players, but they are nothing special.

The Redskins are going to have to take advantage of the passing game in order to have success on Sunday afternoon. DeSean Jackson should relish a chance to go up against his former team, while Pierre Garcon could have another solid day if matched up against McKelvin. Jamison Crowder and Jordan Reed will continue to be dynamic weapons as well. So long as Cousins has enough time to throw the ball on Sunday, he should be able to lead the unit to success. If he does not, it will be a long day for the Redskins.

Oct 9, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) runs as Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) attempts to tackle during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Washington Redskins defeated Baltimore Ravens 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Redskins Running Game vs. Eagles Defense

Last week, Matt Jones ran for only 31 yards on 14 carries. I would expect him to struggle once again this week. The Eagles are ranked second in the NFL in rushing defense, and it is because they have a ferocious front seven. Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan will help to clog running lanes up front, and Cox should be able to break into the backfield on multiple occasions. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has had success in the past with his defensive schemes, so he should be able to contain the Washington ground attack.

If Jones cannot get going, that means that we may see some more of Robert Kelley. Jay Gruden hinted that the rookie may get more carries following the Ravens game, and this week may be the time to do it. The Eagles do not have a lot of tape on Kelley, so it will be hard for them to game plan for him. If he gets some carries, expect him to have a bit more success than Jones will.

Realistically, Chris Thompson is going to be the running back to watch in this contest. The Eagles are likely going to be able to render the Redskins one dimensional. If that happens, they will need their best pass catching back on the field. Thompson qualifies as such, and he could see an expanded role. He might even end up seeing more carries than Jones when the day is done.

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws the ball during the first half of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles Passing Game vs. Redskins Defense

The Carson Wentz hype train slowed down for the first time last week against the Lions. The rookie passer had an overall solid performance and led his team back from a 21-7 deficit to almost win the game. However, he finally threw his first interception. Though it was late in the game and came in desperation mode, that will actually lower expectations for him a little bit and allow him to focus on the task at hand.

More from Riggo's Rag

This week, Wentz is definitely going to have a tough matchup against the Redskins secondary. He is going to have to figure out how to work against the best cornerback in the NFL, Josh Norman. Norman has been superb for the Redskins and has been able to shut down top flight receivers in recent weeks. He should continue to do so on Sunday, and he will likely take Jordan Matthews out of the picture. That would be a huge loss for Wentz.

If Matthews is unable to get open, the rookie quarterback will have to throw to the likes of Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, and Zach Ertz. The trio is not exactly an inspiring bunch. Even worse for them, the Redskins have solid depth in the secondary. Even if Bashaud Breeland cannot suit up, Quinton Dunbar should get a chance to play in his place. Dunbar has been great filling in for Breeland, and should matchup favorably with either receiver.

That leaves Ertz as the main option for Wentz. Ertz may be able to get open over the middle if Su’a Cravens is out. Still, Wentz cannot just rely on his tight end. He needs to hope that some receiver makes an impact. Otherwise, the team could be severely limited offensively.

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) runs the ball in front of Detroit Lions cornerback Quandre Diggs (28) during the second half of a game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles Running Game vs. Redskins Defense

Though the Redskins have the advantage in the passing game, the Eagles will absolutely have the advantage in the run game. The Redskins run defense has been horrible to start the season, but they did have arguably their best game last week. The limited the Ravens to 44 rushing yards after the first quarter on Sunday. They will need to bring their best effort to stop the slew of backs that Philadelphia has.

Ryan Mathews figures to spearhead the effort against the Skins. The former Charger has been decent as a starter this year, and he should matchup favorably against the Redskins defense. After all, the team does not have a true nose tackle, so Mathews should be able to thrive in that regard.

Perhaps the bigger weapon will be Darren Sproles. Because Sproles is a threat in the passing game, the Redskins may not be able to guess when he is going to carry the ball. That could result in him breaking a big play against the defense if they are not prepared to stop the run. Expect a couple of draw calls to Sproles to try and test the Washington defense.

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson stands on the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Score Prediction

This game is going to be a tough one to pick. At the end of the day, the Eagles probably have the advantage. Though the Redskins may be able to contain their offense, the Eagles simply have a better defensive unit. They can render the Redskins one dimensional which will be disastrous for their chances of winning this game.

The only way for the Redskins to pull off a win is to make sure that they keep the Eagles honest and establish a run game. I do not see that happening. The Eagles should win this game, though it could end up being close in the end.

Final Score: Eagles 20, Redskins 16

This article originally appeared on