Redskins-Eagles: Donovan McNabb’s Return Vs. Michael Vick's Revival
Donovan McNabb has been traded from Philadelphia to the division rival Washington Redskins, and Michael Vick has returned to NFL stardom.
Those two worlds will collide this week as the Redskins travel to Philadelphia in a game that has more storylines than usual.
The Redskins are 1-2 and in need of a victory. The Eagles are 2-1 and are looking to extend their lead in the NFC East.
This NFC East contest is always a game of interest, but these five storylines make this Sunday’s matchup the most talked about Week 4 game.
Donovan McNabb Returns to the City of Brotherly Love, But Will He Be Shown Any?
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Donovan McNabb played the first 11 seasons of his career with the Eagles and had a lot of success there, making the playoffs eight times, the NFC Championship Game five times, and appearing in Super Bowl XXXIX.
His career with the Eagles was defined by all of those accomplishments, or failures, as it appeared to the highly critical Philly fanbase.
He was booed when he got drafted and he was underappreciated when he left, so what kind of reaction will Donovan McNabb get upon his return to Philadelphia?
When McNabb was asked earlier this week what he thought the fan’s reaction would be, he said he thinks he’ll be cheered, not booed.
To this point in the 2010 season, McNabb is in prime form again, throwing for 833 yards, but he has only two touchdown passes. His Redskins are 1-2, but have the talent to be contenders this season. McNabb’s Week 4 return to the only other franchise that he has known will be a big factor in determining whether the 'Skins make the playoffs.
Michael Vick Reborn, Faces His Mentor from Last Season…Donovan McNabb
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Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb have been two of the more exciting quarterbacks to watch in the last decade.
Their relationship as players was taken to a whole new level last season when the Eagles signed Vick, who was recently released from jail and cleared to play in the NFL again.
McNabb served as one of Vick’s mentors as he got his feet back underneath him and worked his way into NFL shape.
Now a year later, McNabb is a Redskin and Vick is terrorizing NFL defenses again as the starting quarterback for the Eagles.
Through the first three weeks, Vick has thrown six touchdown passes, 750 yards, and has won two games as Philadelphia’s starting quarterback.
Sunday’s matchup should be nothing short of exciting as Michael Vick takes the field in Week 4 to showcase his talent against Donovan McNabb and the Redskins.
Redskins 1-2, Eagles 2-1, Both Have Tough Stretches Ahead and Only One Wins
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The Redskins started the season with a hard fought victory over the Dallas Cowboys, but then fell victim to themselves in two tough losses.
Washington blew a 17-point lead and missed a potential game-winning field goal in overtime to lose to the Houston Texans. Last week the Redskins lost to the St. Louis Rams, enough said.
Week 4 presents a must-win situation for the Redskins, who still have to face the Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions before a Week 9 bye.
The Eagles season has fared a little differently, opening with a loss to the Packers despite a valiant effort by Michael Vick to bring Philly back from a 17-point deficit.
After Philadelphia takes on the Redskins in Week 4, they play the offensively-challenged San Francisco 49ers, but then play the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans before a Week 8 bye.
The Redskins, who already have a losing record, need a victory in Week 4 more than the Eagles do because Washington has a tougher road ahead than Philadelphia. Philly, despite having less urgency than the Redskins, also need a win in Week 4 as they also have a fairly tough road ahead. Plus, it never hurts to increase your lead in the division, especially the always tough NFC East.
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As Always, a Redskins-Eagles Game Has the Rivalry Atmosphere in the NFC East
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The Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles have played a total of 150 times. The Redskins have won 77 times. The Eagles have won 67 times. There have also been six ties between these two teams.
The 151st edition of this long standing rivalry between two of the more historic NFL franchises definitely has playoff implications and it’s only Week 4.
The Redskins are currently (1-0) in the division, defeating the Dallas Cowboys, but the Eagles have yet to play a divisional game.
Their Week 4 matchup will be one of many important games played between NFC East teams to determine the division winner.
Eagles High-Flying Offense Vs. Washington’s Underachieving Defense
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Through the first three weeks of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles offense has been one of the best in the NFC, currently ranked first in points scored and points per game, fourth in total offense, and have a +4 turnover margin.
The Washington Redskins defense has been anything but good through the first three weeks of the 2010 season. They currently rank last in the NFC in yards of offense allowed per game, and second-to-last in passing yards allowed per game.
It will be interesting to see how Michael Vick will fare against the poor Redskins defense. They are getting shredded through the air and Vick has been on the money with all of his throws this season. He should continue to have a lot of success through the air in Week 4.
The Redskins have also allowed 30 points the past two weeks. One week it was to the explosive Houston Texans offense, but last week it was to the St. Louis Rams. Come on, Mike Shanahan, you can’t allow the Rams to score 30 points and lose the game.
Enjoy the Game
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This game is full of matchups.
Donovan McNabb vs. Michael Vick.
Mike Shanahan vs. Andy Reid.
Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles.
The list goes on.
It should provide for an interesting Week 4 NFL contest.
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