Eagles Expect A Tough Challenge From Washington
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Congress isn't the only thing in turmoil in Washington.
It has been a difficult year for the Redskins, who enter Saturday's contest against the Eagles with a record of 3-11. Quarterback controversies as well as losing have made this a difficult football season in the nation's capital. However, the Eagles are expecting to get the best the Redskins have to offer in a game Chip Kelly's squad needs to win to keep its playoff hopes alive.
"I think they're a talented football team," said Kelly. "When you look a their players, you just say that if you're not aware of where RGIII is, he can hurt you with his legs, his arm."
"RGIII" is Robert Griffin the Third, the talented and highly-touted Washington quarterback who has suffered through a miserable season. Injuries and a benching have many wondering if the former first-round draft pick could be on his way out of Washington. However, Griffin showed signs of improvement last week in a loss to the Giants, and Eagles Safety Malcolm Jenkins believes he is still a dangerous threat with both his arms and his legs.
"He's got a big arm," Jenkins said. "If he does get out the pocket, he's able to reset his feet. He can get it down the field, so that's a big threat for us to not allow him to extend the play. When he does, we have to stay on top of the receivers."
There was plenty of hype in the first meeting between the two teams thanks to the return of former Eagle DeSean Jackson. The result was a fierce NFC East battle won by the Eagles at the Linc in September. Running Back LeSean McCoy believes there will be less talk about Jackson and more focus by the Eagles in their efforts to keep their playoff hopes alive.
"We're going in there to win the game," said McCoy. "We don't have anything against him or RGIII. We just want to win the game and get out of there."
As far as playing a team out of contention, McCoy was part of a squad that was playing out the string two years ago. McCoy still expects a tough challenge on Saturday, but understands how different the attitude may be on the opposing sideline.
"We need wins," McCoy said. "They're a team that's just trying to finish the season out. I've been there. I know that type of role. You want to play hard, but you've probably got your flights already scheduled. We're fighting for something, so it's a different situation."
Kelly announced Linebacker Trent Cole had surgery on his injured hand and will miss the game on Saturday. Brandon Graham will start in Cole's place.
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