Here are some of the key matchups you should keep an eye on this Sunday as the Redskins come to town to take on the Eagles. It's the first NFC East matchup for the Eagles and the only one before the bye week. Last year, the Eagles swept the Redskins.
DE Trent Cole vs. OT Trent WilliamsCole is coming off of a two-sack performance against the Jaguars and is salivating for the chance to bring down his former teammate in Donovan McNabb. Williams was sidelined for the Redskins' loss to the Rams due to a knee injury. The fourth-overall pick in this year's draft was thrown into the fire with the responsibility of protecting McNabb's blindside. Here he'll have his hands full with a player who never comes off the field and never slows down.
WR DeSean Jackson vs. CB DeAngelo HallJackson will argue that he's the fastest player in the NFL. Hall will stake claim to the same mantle. Jackson has broken loose for explosive scores in each of the last two weeks. Jackson leads the Eagles with 13 catches for 318 yards and the two scores. Jackson is averaging an eye-popping 24.5 yards per catch. It will be up to Hall to make sure that Jackson doesn't break loose for another big day.
LB Akeem Jordan vs. TE Chris CooleyMike Shanahan has designed some plays to get Chris Cooley open which McNabb has taken advantage of early in the season. Cooley has 14 catches for 197 yards and a touchdown this season. Cooley is McNabb's security blanket and Jordan will need to patrol the Pro Bowl tight end to make sure he doesn't come up with the momentum-changing play.
C Mike McGlynn vs. NT Ma'ake KemoeatuWith the Redskins moving to a 3-4 scheme, the team wanted a savvy vet who could clog the interior of the line to allow the linebackers to roam free. Well, the Redskins got that in the 6-5, 364-pound Kemoeatu, an eight-year vet who previously played in Baltimore and Carolina. McGlynn is still getting adjusted to some of the nuances of the center position, but he played against an athletic 3-4 scheme in the Kansas City preseason game as well as the season opener against Green Bay.
For a complete look at the Eagles-Redskins game with starting lineups, a tale of the tape and more, check out our Gameday section.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 5:50 p.m., September 28
