It's our turn now. A lonely nation beseeches the Eagles to "show me what you can do!"…
Personally I think you attack the Redskins' linebackers' pass coverage early with your tight ends and set the tone…
But who knows how Chip Kelly and staff plan to play it out?
Thanks to Anthony Brown of RedskinsHogHeaven.com , we are at least warned of a few roadblocks that await us.
Per Mr. Brown, these facts are evident:
1. RGIII is perfectly healthy and ready. Mike Shanahan could have kept Griffin on the bench for this game and gotten no criticism for it if indeed Griffin were not 100%. But in fact, RGIII is completely healed and ready to play.
2. Brian Orakpo is perfectly ready to play, too. Torn pec muscles are no joke, but Orakpo got as much if not more medical attention to correct his medical issues as RGIII. Orakpo's main concern is to avoid arm tackles.
3. RGIII has been told to throw the ball away when he might be in pressure situations. When the play begins to break down, RGIII will chuck it out of bounds. This is something new for the young QB. Eagles defenders need to be aware of it.
4. Leonard Hankerson or Aldrick Robinson will emerge as a legitimate #2 wide receiver in this game— make no mistake about it. Eagles defenders need to focus a little more intensely on these two guys. We are used to mediocrity from the Redskins' #2 receivers of the past, including Brandon Lloyd, Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly and Donte Stallworth. This time around it's different. Hankerson and Robinson are flashing big-time playmaking skills over the past few seasons and pre-seasons. It is their time to show America what they've got.
Okay, now that we know the Redskins' top-secret profile information, let's focus on our guys—
Jordan Raanan over at NJ.com compiled a roster rating review of the Eagles going into tonight's game—
Raanan basically rated the Eagles' 53-man roster according to projected impact upon this game against the Redskins. Yes, I know, this is an extremely arbitrary exercise— but it at least gives fans a scorecard of sorts to get to know the current roster relative to the names that might be called out on national TV tonight…
Here are Raanan's rankings predicting the Eagles players that will have the greatest impact upon the game vs. the Redskins tonight:
1. RB LeSean McCoy
Shady's as well-rounded a running back as there is in the NFL.
2. OT Jason Peters
Would be No. 1 if he weren't returning from a twice torn Achilles.
3. WR DeSean Jackson
He's the guy that scares the bejesus out of opposing coaches.
4. QB Michael Vick
More so than any other player his success will determine W's and L's for the '13 Eagles.
5. OG Evan Mathis
As steady as they come. You never have to worry about left guard when he's on the field.
6. DE Fletcher Cox
Cox will be fine in the new system, or any system.
7. C Jason Kelce
I've come around. He's a uniquely talented center with his mobility.
8. MLB Mychal Kendricks
Destined to succeed with his supreme talent now that he's not out of position at strongside linebacker.
9. OT Lane Johnson
No. 4 overall pick brings rare athleticism to protect Vick's blindside.
10. OLB Connor Barwin
The only outside linebacker on the roster that can cover.
11. CB Cary Williams
Forget the off-the-field drama. He fits well with what the Eagles will do defensively using lots of bump and run coverage.
12. OG Todd Herremans
Still a quality player as an offensive guard.
13. CB Brandon Boykin
Ready to make the jump from promising rookie to one of the league's best nickel corners.
14. TE Brent Celek
An above-average tight end who does everything competently.
15. OLB Trent Cole
Not the same player he once was. The question is not whether he can cover as a LB. It's can he still rush the passer effectively?
16. S Patrick Chung
Easily the best safety on the roster. But that's not saying much. The Patriots let him go for a reason.
17. WR Riley Cooper
Will play a significant role (especially in the red zone) with Jeremy Maclin out for the season.
18. WR Jason Avant
Reliable wideout and a great locker room presence.
19. MLB DeMeco Ryans
The leader of the Eagles' defense remains a solid two-down linebacker.
20. WR/KR Damaris Johnson
Will play a significant role returning kicks and punts.
21. CB Bradley Fletcher
Jury is out on the Eagles' starting cornerback, but at least he can tackle. Also needs to prove he can remain healthy.
22. RB Bryce Brown
Talented runner. But can he catch, block and secure the football?
23. RB Chris Polk
The Eagles are high on Polk. He does everything well, nothing great.
24. TE Zach Ertz
Rookie tight end will be a threat as a receiver. His blocking may be a problem early in his career.
25. QB Nick Foles
The second-year quarterback will be called upon to start at some point this year.
26. ST Colt Anderson
Value to the team is underrated. A Pro Bowl-caliber special teams performer.
27. DL Bennie Logan
Should make an impact as a rookie at defensive end and nose tackle.
28. TE James Casey
Versatile tight end who has struggled with minor injuries this year. It doesn't appear he'll be featured as much as originally anticipated.
29. OLB Brandon Graham
Has a rare skill — rushing the passer. Just not sure how much the Eagles are going to use it.
30. K Alex Henery
Has proven trustworthy in his first two professional seasons.
31. DE Vinny Curry
Showed an ability to succeed as an interior rusher in the preseason. Will be used primarily on passing downs.
32. DE Cedric Thornton
Starting defensive end still has a lot to prove. Showed flashes in training camp.
33. P Donnie Jones
Proven punter is an upgrade over what the Eagles had at the position the past few years.
34. S Nate Allen
Well, he is a starting safety. For now at least.
35. NT Isaac Sopoaga
Scary in preseason action. Only expect him on the field on running downs.
36. S Earl Wolff
Will be starting at safety at some point this season, even if he's not ready.
37. LB Jake Knott
The rookie was dynamite at training camp and in the preseason. Can play three downs as well.
38. OT Allen Barbre
Can play guard or tackle. First man off the bench on the offensive line. And playing behind this group of starters, he'll likely be needed early and often.
39. LS Jon Dorenbos
Haven't seen a catastrophic snap from the Eagles in quite some time.
40. S Kurt Coleman
Decent reserve safety and special-teamer. Not sure how often he'll be active on game day though.
41. TE Emil Igwenagu
Stunned he made final roster. Immediately becomes best blocking tight end on roster. Makes him a useful tool.
42. DL Damion Square
The Eagles really like the rookie defensive lineman. He'll be in the rotation at some point.
43. DL Clifton Geathers
The monstrous Geathers should be an asset against the run. I don't see him providing much as a pass rusher.
44. OT Dennis Kelly
Back injury renders the reserve offensive lineman useless for first month of season.
45. CB Brandon Hughes
For now, Hughes (hand) is stuck on the sidelines. When he's healthy, he'll get on the field. But is he any good?
46. QB Matt Barkley
Don't expect to see the rookie on the field any time soon.
47. MLB Casey Matthews
He's a special teams contributor. Let's just hope he's not needed at linebacker.
48. OL Matt Tobin
Rookie offensive lineman is likely to spend most, if not all, of the season on the bench.
48. CB Jordan Poyer
The rookie cornerback may be used in the slot, if Boykin is needed on the outside. Can provide a physical presence.
49. C Julian Vandervelde
The Eagles' backup center doesn't inspire a ton of confidence right now. The reserve O-line was brutal with him at center in the preseason finale.
50. WR Jeff Maehl
The fifth receiver's primary contribution probably will be on special teams, if he sticks around.
52. LB Najee Goode
Goode's been in Philadelphia only a handful of days. He's unlikely to be active Week 1, and the Eagles still need to figure out exactly what he can bring to the table in their defensive system.
53. CB Shaun Prater
Coming off a serious knee injury, he still needs to learn the defense after being claimed off waivers this week.
See you at game time Monday night!
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