As much as Donovan McNabb's performance that led to his benching late in the Detroit game has been analyzed, maybe the fingers should be pointed towards the offensive line.
McNabb was 17 of 30 for 210 yards with a touchdown and an interception before being placed on the pine for Rex Grossman. But McNabb was also sacked six times and forced to run four times more. McNabb was actually the Redskins most effective runner with 45 yards on the ground.
Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said on Friday that the key to the Lions' success against the Redskins was indeed the pressure from the defensive line.
"They kept (McNabb) off-balance. They got pressure with their front four and front three at times," McDermott said. "Anytime you can do that, you've got a chance to have a pretty good day on defense."
The Eagles did have plenty of success against the Redskins in the first meeting between the teams back in Week 4. In the second half, the Redskins had six possessions. On the first one, McNabb was intercepted. The final five resulted in punts. McNabb was 2 of 11 for 10 yards in the game's final 30 minutes.
The Redskins, however, have had the bye week to prepare for the Eagles. They are also healthy along the offensive line. In the first meeting, the Redskins were without first-round draft pick and starting left tackle Trent Williams. Jammal Brown didn't start in the Redskins' last game, but came off the bench and appears back to full strength.
"They've had some guys in and out. I think the first go-around we faced a different tackle than we're going to face on Monday night," McDermott said. "It'll be a new challenge for us, but I think they've got them all healthy now for the most part so they're developing continuity and the consistency they want, I'm sure. It'll be a good challenge for our defensive line."
Trent Cole will be looking to continue his hot streak of 4.0 sacks in the last three games. He was shutout in the first Redskins game. Antonio Dixon remains the starter at right defensive tackle, per McDermott. He's had 2.0 sacks since seeing extensive playing time after the first Redskins game. And with Juqua Parker's role as the starter, a healthier Brandon Graham will be fresher for the snaps that he's in on.
The Eagles have the horses to get to McNabb. The question is whether they can do it on a consistent basis.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 1:00 p.m., November 12
