Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles preview: Eagles look to spoil McNabb's homecoming
All eyes will be on Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia as Washington Redskins quarterback, Donovan McNabb, the face of the Philadelphia Eagles franchise for 11 seasons, makes his much anticipated
return to Philadelphia as the Redskins face the Eagles on Sunday afternoon.
How they match up
McNabb, who led to the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl, and who leads the Eagles in several offensive categories, including passing yards and touchdown passes, will be going up
against a rather stingy Eagles pass defence ranked seventh in the NFL.
Also in the spotlight will be the Eagles' current starting quarterback, and McNabb's good friend, Michael Vick. It was McNabb himself who urged the Eagles management to take a chance on Vick after the
former Falcons' quarterback had missed two full seasons after being suspended by the NFL for his involvement in the Bad New Kennels dog fighting investigation. Vick has recently won the starting quarterback position through his effective play under centre,
stepping up after season starter Kevin Kolb received a concussion on the first week of action.
Vick's numbers have been impressive since getting the start as he has completed over 60 percent of his passes and has rushed for more yards than any other quarterback in the NFL. Vick also leads the league
in completions of over 40 yards or more.
It's on the ground where the game could be won or lost with Vick always capable of scrambling for extra yards if he is unable to find a receiver. Starting rusher LeSean McCoy has also been impressive for
the Eagles and has been averaging over six yards per carry. The Redskins have been reasonably effective stopping the run this season but they boast the league's second worst pass defence, second only to the Houston Texans, which means if drives stall along
the ground, Vick and co. should feel comfortable taking to the air.
Santana Moss has become a favorite target of McNabb's and is tied for third in the NFL with 22 receptions. The Redskins, however, have only two touchdowns through the air this season. DeSean Jackson and
Jeremy Maclin have been on the receiving end of all of Vick's six touchdown passes, the former is even currently averaging an astonishing 24.5 yards per catch - tops in NFL among receivers with 10 or more catches.
What to expect
The Eagles go into the game alone atop the NFC East division and will be looking to widen the gap between themselves and their division rivals. As compelling a story as McNabb's return to the city of brotherly
love is, the Redskins appear to simply be outmatched. Should Vick struggle even, a fully fit Kolb is eagerly waiting in the wings. Vick should be able to take advantage of having time in the pocket to find his receivers. Given McNabb's stature with the Eagle
fans, home-field advantage does seem to become less of a factor, but fans are fickle and Vick will quickly become just as loved as McNabb was if he continues to play the way he has.
Eagles 27 Redskins 17
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