Redskins-Eagles: Week 4 Leads to Some Bruised Ribs and Egos for Philadelphia

Donovan McNabb's first game back in Philadelphia this season was a success...sort of.

While his play was not anything to write home about, he was good enough to keep the 'Skins close and eventually allowed them to pull it off.

Washington wins this match 17-12 with all their points coming in the first half.

One of the key notes to point out from Week 4 is the sudden emergence of a running game that has been all but silent for the first three weeks of the season. A solid running game means McNabb does not have to throw as much, and for a quarterback that is always a comforting feeling.

Another great note to mention is that McNabb was sacked only one time, so the offensive line was getting a good push this week in pass blocking and opening holes for the running game. Usually when those two things happen a "W" goes in the column.

A heartfelt moment swelled in the city of "brotherly love" when McNabb got the applause he had been hoping to hear when he first entered the field. After the game a big hug from his former head coach Andy Reid was also a touching sight to see.

I did not write a preview article this week for the simple fact that I can never tell which defense is going to show up from one week to the other. This week the good defense showed up and was able to contain a red-hot Eagles offense while literally knocking Michael Vick out of the game.

Vick was hurt during a run towards the goal line when he was sandwiched between DeAngelo Hall and Kareem Moore. His post-game X-rays show no signs of broken ribs at the time this article was written per NFL.com.

All right folks, Gameday Grades time!!!!

QB: C

I know I was raving about him, but I just can't give a good grade to someone who completes 42 percent of his passes. Congratulations to Donovan McNabb on a successful return to Philly though.

RB: A

Clinton Portis came alive, averaging 5.0 yards per carry, and Ryan Torain was busting some skulls on his touchdown run.

FB: A

Mike Sellers did a usual good job and blocked effectively this time.

WR: B

Inches make all the difference, and a few catches could have probably been made if they were thrown a few inches lower or the player was a few inches taller.

TE: A

Of course, Chris Cooley played, so he's going to do well, but that was a sweet pitch and catch for a touchdown, got to admit.

OL: A

HEY! Finally had a good week. Opened some decent running room and only allowed one sack—great job Piglets.

DL: B

It pains me to say this, but without Albert Haynesworth this week the 'Skins DL would have been completely missed.

LB: A

London Fletcher led the team in tackles, and Rocky McIntosh was right behind him.

CB: B

Carlos Rogers could have ended that game, but the past is the past. DeAngelo Hall and Phillip Buchanon played very well this week.

S: A

LaRon Landry and Kareem Moore played really well this week.

K: A

Graham Gano was perfect and delivered when called upon. Good enough for me.

P: B

Josh Bidwell did pick up his average a bit and did land the ball inside the 20 once. Average needs to be a bit longer and this grade will go up.

Return game: B

Brandon Banks and Devin Thomas both have promising futures as return men for the Skins.

Coaching: B

I know a win is a win, but some of that was ugly. Like the win against Dallas, though, I am sure every D.C. fan will take it.

The offensive line protected well, the defense showed up when needed, and the running game helped control the clock. Add all those things together and you usually get a win; this week for the Redskins was no different.

Hail to the Redskins!