Skins vs. Eagles

Big divisional game for both teams this weekend. The Eagles are going to be desperate for a win. Frankly, a loss and their season is pretty much over. There is no question they have a load of talent on that team but haven't been able to harness it for a full 60 minutes.

As far as the Skins, they have a chance to put a divisional rival way back in the standings and also take another step forward this season. It's at home and we are coming off of a bye week so we should be well rested.

Keys to the game include:

1. Ride the Love To-RAIN: I expect Torain to get the start after his effort against St. Louis. The guy is big and strong and runs downhill. He is also ready to deliver the hit. He seems like a great fit for Shanny's run game as he runs hard into the line as opposed to Hightower who sometimes continues down the line looking for the hole. I expect Hightower to be more of the third down back as he is better at catching and picking up the blitz. Eagles run D is suspect and we have to take advantage. It's also good that we get Young back at the FB position as he will help get that lead block to open up the holes.

2. Rexy needs to play well: If I am the Eagles, I will take the run game away and force Rexy to beat me. With Asomugha and Samuels, I would send more guys in the box and allow for one on one coverage. I would send pressure and try and force Rexy to make a mistake. It is up to Rexy to protect the ball and make smart plays. We will need to open up the defense and make them respect the passing game to help the run. Obviously, the O line will need to step up but Rexy has to be smart with the ball. He has gotten progressively worse over the course of the season and the thing that bothers me the most is that he looks scared at times out there. I want to see him confident and not necessarily win the game for us but just don't lose it for us. It's a key game for him because a costly mistake or two will send the crowd into an uproar.

3. Obviously contain Vick: Eagles O line is not great and Kerrakpo has been awesome. We need to continue to bring that pressure and not allow Vick to get outside and make plays where he is most dangerous. I like the defense and think we have the talent to contain him but this will be a good test for them. However, we must make sure not to give up the big plays.

4. Good safety play: In last season's Monday night game, the first play was a bomb for a TD to Jackson. Atogwe and Landry will need to keep Jackson in front of them. Vick can throw a mile and Jackson has the speed to go get it. Again, focus should be on pressuring Vick but the safeties will need to make sure Jackson stays in front of them in case Vick gets time and can air it out. Wondering if we will set up a spy on Vick. Landry would be a good guy for that as he has the speed and a hit or two from him and Vick will really think twice about tucking and running.

5. Watch out for the screens. McCoy is very elusive and our defense is aggressive. I can see the defense overpursuing and McCoy releasing for screens for big games. The Eagles used to run the screen better than anyone and this is a play that concerns me.

6. Fred Davis: Cooley got his knee drained earlier this week so I imagine we will see more of Davis. He creates big mismatches and would love to see him get the ball more.

7. Brandon Banks: Banks has been quiet this season and in particular against the Rams. He is on the team for one reason and he has to justify it. Against the Rams, he was doing his best ARE imitation. We need him to be better. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind seeing what Austin could do back there.

In the end, I expect to control the clock and have big success on the ground. I think we will get to Vick a couple of times and will get at least one turnover. The key will be Rexy and making sure he doesn't fumble or throw that critical INT. I believe he will rebound and have a solid game and in the end the Skins will pull it out 23-17.

HAIL SKINS!!!