The Philadelphia Eagles are set to continue their 2015 NFL season schedule versus the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Both of these teams enter this game with the same record: 1-2. Despite being NFC East rivals, these teams are arguably very similar in certain ways right now.
Today, we're going to look at why a Washington writer thinks the Eagles might win this game. This format forces us to consider each team's weaknesses, rather than just think of why each team is awesome.
So here's why Washington will lose, as written by Washington writer Hunter Jennings (@HunterLoganX). Check out Hogs Haven to see why I think the Eagles could lose.
Why Washington Will Lose
Depleted Secondary
Another week and another Redskins defensive back is limping to the sidelines. The Redskins have already lost their starting strong safety in Duke Ihenacho, who was replaced by Trenton Robinson. David Amerson somehow looked worse than last year, and was released. DeAngelo Hall's toe injury will keep him out of the lineup for weeks. And now Washington's #1 CB and highest paid free agent this year Chris Culliver was injured in practice this week and is questionable for Sunday's game. Who does that leave at CB? Bashaud Breeland who is returning from injury and suspension will be the team's #1 if Culliver can't go. Will Blackmon was signed off the streets two weeks ago and could be the #2. Quinton Dunbar was an undrafted free agent WR this year that was converted to corner in training camp. If Sam Bradford can't get right against this secondary, the Eagles are in serious trouble this year.
Turnover Ratio
The Redskins have created one turnover on defense this year (tied with the Jaguars for worst in the NFL), and are one of three teams that does not have an interception this season. The lack of takeaways from an otherwise decent defense makes it harder to compensate for the offense and special teams mistakes. The Redskins have turned the ball over 6 times (4 Kirk Cousins interceptions and two Matt Jones fumbles), giving them a minus five turnover differential which is 2nd worst in the league. They don't want special teams to feel left out, allowing a punt to be blocked for a safety that could have easily resulted in a touchdown last week. If the Redskins can' fix their turnover issues, it will be a long day against an Eagles defense that had 4 interceptions last week.
X-Factor
Darren Sproles continues to show that he is one of the most dangerous players in the league on returns. The Redskins Special Needs Unit has been bottom of the league for years in both protection for their kickers, and coverage on kicks. In Week 1, they allowed Miami's Jarvis Landry to return a punt 69 yards untouched for what turned out to be the game winning score. Last week Darren Sproles returned a punt 89 yards and punters took notice once again. The Redskins will avoid that mistake at all costs this week.