Portis, run defense could determine Redskins’ fate

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, November 08, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Washington Redskins
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When the Washington Redskins travel to Philadelphia to take on the division-rival Eagles this Sunday, the game could very well come down to the teams' respective ground games. The matchup is equally important for Washington and Philadelphia, because both are in major jeopardy of falling far behind in the NFC playoff race.

The Redskins, 3-5, are coming off an impressive, heart-stopping win over Dallas last Sunday. The Eagles, meanwhile, had an opportunity to rest last week on their bye, but they lost three consecutive games before then.

So far this season, running the ball hasn't exactly been Philly's forte. Head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg are pass-happy play callers who like to put games in quarterback Donovan McNabb's hands. As great as McNabb is, that wore him down last year and it appears to be happening again. In every game this season, the soon-to-be 30-year-old McNabb has attempted at least 30 passes, including 34 in the Eagles' last loss, a 13-6, heavy-wind defeat at the hands of the Jaguars.

But why are the Eagles so bent on passing the ball? Because their multi-dimensional running back, Brian Westbrook, doesn't have the durability to carry the load 25 times per game. The 5-foot-8, 203-pound Westbrook has just 97 carries through seven games. The most rushes he's accumulated during an individual contest is 19, and that came all the way back in Week 2. Washington's defense, ranked 15th against the rush, shouldn't have a great deal of difficulty with Westbrook, who simply doesn't possess the ability to dictate a game on the ground.

If the Redskins' defense does manage to stymie Philly's rushing attack, it would be a perfect situation for Al Saunders' offense. All-world running back Clinton Portis, who is finally nearing full health, was a key part in last week's victory, racking up 84 yards and a TD on 23 carries. Against the Eagles' 18th-ranked run defense, Portis is in an excellent position.

During Portis' two-plus-year tenure in D.C., the team has a solid regular-season record of 14-10 when he amasses at least 20 times rushing attempts in a game. That includes two victories over the Eagles in the Redskins' playoff campaign last year. On Nov. 6, 2005, Portis garnered 21 rushing attempts for 67 yards and a score. The result? Redskins 17, Eagles 10. Finally, on New Year's Day, Portis' 27-carry, 112-yard effort was a big reason for the 'Skins' regular-season-ending 31-20 triumph in Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.

For these two bitter NFC East rivals, every week seems like an elimination game as the season readies for its second half. If the Redskins expect to stay in the hunt for a second straight miracle playoff run, they'll need to dictate the game offensively by way of Portis. Defensively, this week will be all about stopping Westbrook from getting on his game, which will force the ever-tiring McNabb to, once again, throw 30-plus times.

Advantage: Redskins.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Washington Redskins at RealFootball365.com.
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