Redskin prediction this week

Obviously a key game on Sunday in many ways. It's a divisional game. The Skins are coming off of two tough losses. McNabb is going back to Philly. It's the Eagles.

That said, I'm looking forward to the game. Starting with the type of reception McNabb gets to the actual game, it should be fun. McNabb's return to Philly has been talked about locally and nationally all week and I have to think given all the news, the Philly fans will largely give him a warm reception. There will be some boo birds but I think by and large they will understand what he did and meant for the Eagle organization and the city and they will cheer for him. However, once the game starts, McNabb will just be the opposing team's QB.

Regarding the game, it's a tall order for the Skins to win this game. The Skins are reeling and there are obvious issues that have come to light about this team. Also, Michael Vick is playing some of the best football of his career right now and the Eagles are looking like a very tough team to beat. Here are my general predictions:

1. Vick will be good but not as good as he has been in the last couple of weeks. The Skins will get to him. We'll get pressure but the key will be to keep in inside the pocket and I'm more concerned about his feet than his arm. If we can keep him from escaping, I think defensively we will be in pretty good shape. Will be curious if we put a man to shadow him throughout the game. I imagine if we did that, it would be Landry on him. We'll see what Haslett draws up.

2. Hopefully Trent Williams is back; however, I think the Eagles will bring pressure as well. We struggled when the Rams did that so hopefully we have a TE or RB to help pick up the pressure. We need some short pass routes and have to show some commitment to the running game. Five carries all of the second half last week is not going to cut it. Also, we need a secondary WR to step up. I still would love to see Devin Thomas out there. Since our secondary WRs have been pretty much non existent the last couple of weeks, putting Thomas out there can't hurt.

3. Special teams have to improve. We have suffered a couple of big gaffs already and that needs to shore up. Particularly in the FG and punt blocking areas.

4. McNabb will need to play within himself and not get carried away with emotions by this game. I know he is saying that this is just another game but it is not. I'm sure there will be some feelings that he will have to contain going back to Philly and being in the opposing locker room and the opposing sidelines. He has played well so far and he is a veteran so I expect him to contain himself as well as anyone can.

5. Coaching needs to improve. We have to be able to adjust to things on the fly. If certain schemes/plays are not working, we have to adapt. I don't feel like we did against the Rams so I will be looking for change if we are not successful early on.

In the end, I think it will be a good NFC East battle. However, it's a tough place to play and in the end the Skins will fall 27-17.

HAIL SKINS!!!