The Redskins all-world outside linebacker — Brian Orakpo — is at least saying the politically correct things about this do-or-die challenge match for the Eagles on Sunday (FOX TV, 1:00 P.M. EST)…
“We’re not going to take (the Eagles) for granted, regardless of what their record is,” Orakpo said in a presser this week.
He added: “We know what type of team this is. We can’t go in there and think that is a regular 1-4 team. This is the NFC East and any time division opponents get together, it’s a battle. When we think of the Eagles, we have to be focused and ready to go.”
Orakpo, who leads the Redskins with 3.5 sacks this season, senses opportunity, according to Gary Fitzgerald, the Managing Editor at Redskins.com, who got this quote: “What we’re going to try to do is take advantage of the turnovers as well, try to get our hands on the ball,” Orakpo said. “Hopefully we can get to [Vick] and try to create some forced fumbles.”
That last statement was about as close as I can find to a presumptive attitude by the Redskins players that this game is theirs to be had… and that Eagles turnovers will continue unabated in a steady flow like a Euro bail-out money supply.
Washington fan opinions are on balance much more conservative than usual going into this rivalry match. There seems to be a sense of caution among the fan opinion I’ve sampled, like this one from “Chip 4 Redskins” —
“We need to control the clock, slow down the game to our likeness. You have to give Vick the edge as for speed and his abilities. We need to keep him inside and force quick passes. I am scared that ‘Flying Ryan’ and ‘Rap him up’ Orapko may overrun him and then he’s gone. Be Careful of his speed….Grossman has honestly impressed me this season—so NO Mistakes REX —Take that extra 1/2 second to make sure no turnovers….Sacks are better than Interceptions. Hail to my Redskins.”
If you psychoanalyze Chip’s comment, it almost sounds hopeful for the Eagles! One good thing, as Poet pointed out Friday, Orakpo will be attacking Vick and the backfield from Vick’s left-hand side, so at least the monster linebacker will be in Vick’s vision most of the time.
Fitzgerald’s take —-On defense, the Redskins are sure to focus on stripping the ball from quarterback Michael Vick and forcing him into errant throws. The Eagles have committed a league-worst 15 turnovers this season, nine interceptions and six lost fumbles, and 10 of the turnovers are credited to Vick. Overall, the Eagles are tied for last in the NFL with a minus-10 turnover ratio.
“Containing Michael Vick is certainly a focus for the Redskins’ defensive front, but coverage is equally important because it gives Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan time to get to Vick. It will be imperative for Redskins’ cornerbacks to stay with the Eagles’ wide receivers, especially after plays break down and Vick scrambles out of the pocket to make plays.”
Two weeks ago, the Redskins surprised everyone by attacking the St. Louis Rams’ league-worst run defense by passing the ball on six of the first seven plays. In the end, the Redskins’ offense was balanced, with 35 rushes and 29 passes in the game.
Fitzgerald continues: “On Sunday vs. Philadelphia, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will want to establish the passing game but he will also emphasize the ground game against the Eagles’ 30th-ranked run defense. Fresh off their bye, the Redskins will have fresh legs and a strong run game should be able to wear down the Eagles’ front four.”
Fitzgerald highlighted the Redskins corners and safeties as a potential concern for Washington in this game. I got the real sense he’s not completely sold on the ability of DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson to keep up with Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson…and Jason Avant could provide a matchup problem in the slot. He also expressed some worry about his safeties Atogwe and Landry holding up in deep coverage.
I think he’s also a little worried about Rex Grossman…In each of the last two games, Rex has thrown interceptions in which he failed to see the middle linebacker dropping back into coverage. In the Rams game, it very nearly cost the Redskins a fourth quarter lead.
“Grossman knows he needs to be more mindful of coverage and that he must protect the football. It’s something both head coach Mike Shanahan and OC Kyle Shanahan have mentioned this week,” said Fitzgerald.
The hand of fate is on us now, all right… but I feel better about it… after sampling some of the doubts of the faithful in ‘Skins Nation, which are suggesting one way or another, we will at least be respected as a handful…
Or something like that… I’m babbling… I’ll drop in an update later, hopefully with Ben Gold’s No Ballz Pix for Week 6…
South Philly Ben’s No Ballz Pix ………… by Ben Gold
Can’t do much worse than the last 2 weeks….However this week Southy and our IGGLES will rise from the ashes…..
Car+4.5 over Atl
Det over SF+5
Ind+7 over Cin
Igg’s over pigs+1
GB over Stl+15
Jac+12 over Pitt
Buf+3.5 over Nyg
Oak over Cle+6
Bal over Hou+7.5
NO over TB+4.5
NE over Dal+7
Min+3 over Chi
Nyj over Mia+7
GO BIRDS!!
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
