Skins vs. Eagles preview

Eagles come to town for a big Monday night game. It’s a critical game for a number of reasons many of which we already know (divisional game, Eagles are one game up on the Skins, McNabb facing his old team, first game coming off of the McNabb benching controversy, MNF and a national audience). Keys to the game are as follows:

1. Stop Vick. We knocked him out early in the game the first go around but we were able to contain him while he was in there. We need to do a similar job this time around. I imagine Landry will be shadowing him and will have to key on him.
2. Stop LeSean McCoy. We hurt him too in the first game but he definitely hurt us while he was in the game.
3. Stop the Eagle WRs. I know these are all obvious things but I will still bring them up. Do NOT let Jackson get behind our DBs. The WRs were a virtual non factor in the first game but I don’t expect that to be the case this go around. We really need to keep these guys in front of us and not give up the big play.
4. Stop the Eagle pass rush. Our line has been suspect and there is no question the Eagles defense will be attacking. We need to most definitely watch that double A gap blitz. The RB will have to pick that up and help out. McNabb needs to recognize this at the line and make any necessary adjustments to counter that.
5. Ride the love Torain. Torain should be back and we need to get that running game going. He had a good game the first time around and has been solid while he has been given the opportunity to start so he needs to continue that strong running game. Looks like CP will not play as he suffered a little set back this week in practice and not sure he is game ready.
6. Get Cooley involved. He presents mismatches and we need to utilize him more. The same could be said for Fred Davis. Would love to see two TE sets for blocking purposes and then mix in passes to these guys as they release for a route.
7. McNabb needs to shine. We all know about the benching and it has created quite the story but as I thought, it does seem to have blown over as best as possible. McNabb has been honest in that he was upset about the benching but that he has cleared the air with Shanny. McNabb said yesterday that he has a friendship with Kyle. Shanny yesterday pretty much admitted he was wrong without actually admitting he was wrong in his decision. Bottom line, it seems that there is no question that McNabb is the starter and that there is no controversy and everyone is ready to move forward. That said, there is also no question that that “controversy” will be a big story on MNF leading up to the game. It would be outstanding if he came out and had a big game to silence everyone and again stick it to his former team.

My prediction is that we are coming off of a much needed bye week. The crowd has been a factor in all of our home games and I expect that to continue. I think most everyone will be rooting for McNabb and he will feed off of that. I expect him to have a good game and I expect the coaches to put him in a position to be successful. In the end, I think home field advantage will be the difference and the Skins will come out with a 24-16 win.

HAIL SKINS!!!