Skins vs. Eagles - it starts tonight!

So it begins.  Starting the season doesn't get much bigger than with a divisional rival at home on Monday night.  It also marks the return of RG3.  That said, I'll get right into the keys of the game:

1. RG3 - he needs to stay in control.  He can't let his emotions get the best of him.  It's been a long road to recovery.  He hasn't seen any preseason action so he needs to stay focused.  Given how well he has handled everything to this point, I don't think it will be a problem for him to enjoy the moment but recognize the task at hand.  I think the bigger concern is RG3 is a player and he is natural tendencies are to try and make something happen where there isn't anything there.  It's good to a point.  He has to learn to protect himself.  There is no reason for him to fight for an extra yard if it means he is going to get hurt.  Will be very interesting to see if he slides and/or heads out of bounds or throws the ball away when he needs to.  Still, I think he is going to have a very good game tonight.

2. Morris/running game - The O line has only gotten more comfortable with the zone blocking scheme.  I expect the running game will be strong tonight.  Morris is a hard runner that won't go down with one tackler and I expect him to have a big game. 

3. Defense - This is a concern.  Not sure if Meriweather is playing.  If not, that means we have rookie Baccari Rambo paired with Reed Doughty at the safety positions.  This is a concern.  I like Doughty but he is more of a special teamer and not a starting safety.  Rambo has shown flashes of talent but he has also made some mistakes in preseason.  He too has to remain focused and can't allow a guy like DeSean Jackson blow by him.  I do like David Amerson as he has good size and ability but he needs to better understand zone coverage as he has been caught in no man's land a couple of times.  Not sure how much he'll play though as E.J. Biggers seems to be the nickel back.  The other part of the D to watch is the return of Orakpo.  No doubt he will be pumped but he needs to stay at home and play his position.  With the shifty Vick and LeSean McCoy it will be even more critical for him to follow his assignment and not try and get creative to make a big play. 

4. Slowing down the Kelly's fast paced offense - Read that the Skins have a plan to do this.  Will be interesting to see what it is.  I expect Vick to make some mistakes tonight and the fast paced offense could be the Eagles downfall.  If we can control the clock and wear the Eagles D down with the run and if the Eagles come out and go three and out quickly, the Eagles D will be done quickly. 

In the end, I expect a big win to start this season.  I expect a 31-13 win tonight as RG3 and Morris roll up on the Eagles and Vick, Chip Kelly struggle trying to get the fast paced tempo going.

HTTR!!!