The Redskin Report

It’s funny how things work out. For the past three years the Redskins and Eagles have met up late in the season. Each time, it was the Eagles who were battling for something while the Redskins were playing out the string. Now granted, the Eagles were never playing for a playoff spot, but they were playing for a division title or a first round bye. Each time, the Redskins put up a bit of a fight, but in the end the Eagles were too much and they took each game.

Dec 15, 2002: The Eagles clinched the NFC East with a 34-21 victory over the Redskins. The Eagles were led by Duce Staley’s two touchdowns, and AJ Feeley’s two touchdown passes. The Redskins touchdowns were scored by Derrius Thompson, Rod Garnder and Chris Doering (shudder).

Dec 27, 2003: The Eagles secured a 1st round bye by closing out their season with a 31-7 victory in Steve Spurrier’s final game as the Redskins coach. Donovan McNabb threw for three touchdowns in the victory. Rock Cartwright scored the lone Redskins touchdown. It’s hard to believe this game is only 2 years ago when looking at the box score. Tim Hasselback started at QB, and Gilbran Hamden got into some action and draft bust Cliff Russell made a few catches.

Dec 12, 2004: The Eagles moved to 12-1 with a 17-14 win over the Redskins. The win secured a 1st round bye for the Eagles. This game could have actually been won the Redskins, but Patrick Ramsey threw and ill-advised pass to Chris Cooley late in the game and was picked off. Clinton Portis scored both touchdowns for the Redskins. Dorsey Levens and LJ Smith scored for the Eagles.

Now the roles have changed. It is the Washington Redskins who need a win to secure a playoff berth while the Eagles are just playing out the stretch. In terms of a comparison, this game most resembles the 2003 game. It is a season finale, and in a few years if an Eagle fan looks back at the box score they’ll probably laugh at some of the name they see playing for their team. Names like Mike McMahon, Darnerien McCants and Billy McMullen will send a shudder down their spine. Like the Eagles did back in 2003, it’s up to the Redskins to show no respect to a depleted team. I doubt the Eagles will fold up like the Spurrier led Skins did back then, but there is no reason why this game should be close. The Redskins need to close the season out in style.

In the Post:
Brunell’s ok; Clemons sidelined; Wilbon on Postseason Darkhorses