The Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) are heading to the nation’s capital to battle the Washington Redskins (3-10) in a game that’s must-win for the Birds and the second of four straight NFC East matchups.
The game offers some interesting matchups, dynamics and surprising stats for both teams.
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1. Redskins defense improving at the right time
After a miserable start to the 2019 NFL season, the Redskins defense is starting to round into shape, with three games in which they’ve allowed just 19 points per game and 5.7 sacks per game.
2. Eagles receivers let Carson Wentz down when it matters the most
Wentz has 9 crucial dropped passes on 3rd down this season — tied for most among NFL QBs this season.
Drops 3rd Down this season
NFL Quarterbacks Player Drops
1st Carson Wentz (PHI) 9
1st Kyle Allen (CAR) 9
3rd Patrick Mahomes (KC) 8
4th Josh Allen (BUF) 7
4th Andy Dalton (CIN) 7
3. Terry has been scary for Redskins as a rookie
McLaurin doesn’t get mentioned with JJ Arcega-Whiteside as much as he should, but it definitely needs mentioning, that the former Ohio State star was drafted almost 20 picks after the Eagles second-rounder, but that’s where the comparison’s stop.
McLaurin has been lethal as a rookie, with 46 catches for 703 yards and six touchdowns. Only 18 rookie receivers have started a season with this productivity since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
4. Wentz working to become Eagles stat king
Wentz is moving up the Eagles passing charts quickly after becoming the 2nd pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Even with two injury-plagued seasons, Wentz’s 92 career passing touchdowns are the fifth-most in franchise history and he’ll likely move into 4th place early next season.
Wentz is currently on pace to obliterate Donovan McNabb’s all-time mark of 216 career touchdowns.
5. Adrian Peterson aiming for another milestone, 1K yard season
Adrian Peterson forged his illustrious legacy with the Vikings, but he’s been more than solid since joining the Washington Redskins. Peterson is 282 yards away from a second straight 1,000-yard season in D.C. and the ninth of his career.
Peterson is also just 66 rushing yards away from surpassing Hall of Famer Curtis Martin (14,101) for the fifth-most rushing yards in NFL history. Peterson currently has 14,036 career rushing yards.
Another rushing touchdown will give Peterson his 110th touchdown on the ground, which would tie him with the legendary Walter Payton for fourth in league history.
6. Eagles defense forcing 3 & out at an intense rate
The Eagles defense has been much maligned all season long, but they’ve gotten better as the year has progressed. Known more for it’s been but don’t break mentality, the Eagles defense has risen to the occasion when it mattered most.
The Eagles defense has forced three and outs on 28.8% of opponent drives this season-best in NFL; The league Avg is 20.9%
Three and Out Forced % Overall this season
NFL Defenses Defense Three and Out Forced %
1st Philadelphia Eagles 28.8%
2nd San Francisco 49ers 28.1%
3rd Chicago Bears 27.2%
4th New England Patriots 26.4%
4th Buffalo Bills 26.4%
27th Washington Redskins 17.1%
27th Green Bay Packers 17.1%
30th Oakland Raiders 17.0%
31st Arizona Cardinals 15.3%
32nd Houston Texans 14.1%
