I am not sure why, but I can’t find any predictions on the Eagles Redskins game in the DC papers.  Don’t their writers put it down for the world to see? I don’t know, and really, I do not care except for curiosity sake. 

The Redskins are not destined to finish last this year in the division, that distinction belongs to the Giants, but they are not a contender for the division title. 

The Redskins D is improving but is going to suffer because DE Phillip Daniels is hurt and will see little action. He sprained a foot last week and hasn’t practiced in days. The Eagles are going to have more running room than against the Packers, and Donovan will have better protection this week.  Skins D coordinator Greg Williams likes to bring the blitz. Look for some opportunities for the Birds receivers on quick pass action.   

I expect that the Eagles D is going to show well, and put to rest some of the preseason concerns.  The Eagles have to stuff the run on first and second down, keep the Skins in passing situations on third and apply heat. 

Can Bunkley, Patterson, Spikes, Gaither and Considine, make plays against a good Redskins running attack?  Get a good effort from these 5 and the Eagles win. 

Can Chris Gocong cover Chris Cooley?

Cooley has been an Eagles killer in the past. With Jimmy Johnson’s squad putting a lot of pressure on Jason Campbell, Cooley will be one of the check downs he looks to for relief. 

It may be asking a lot of Reno Mahe to return from hiatus and jump right back into the punt return slot, but it will assuredly be an upgrade on last week. I expect a calmer day on the return side of the special teams units.

The Eagles will win, and look much healthier doing it this week. 

Eagles 24 Redskins 16