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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Redskins-Eagles: Upon Further Review...

Redskins.com recaps Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field:

First Impressions:

#### Revealing Moment:

On a soggy day in South Philadelphia, the rain seemed to pour harder just after Mark Brunell threw an ill-timed interception in the third quarter. Trailing 20-3, the Redskins were driving downfield when Brunell threw a short pass to Santana Moss. Cornerback Sheldon Brown stepped in front of the pass and raced up-field for a 70-yard touchdown return. Even though there were 23 minutes left in the game, it was apparent that a Redskins comeback was not in the offing.

Redskins Player of the Game:

#### Redskins Play of the Game:

Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd and cornerback Sheldon Brown were running stride-by-stride downfield. Mark Brunell threw a pass that only Lloyd could reach, and the Redskins' wide receiver made a diving grab for a 43-yard catch in the second quarter. The acrobatic catch led to the Redskins' only points of the game, a 32-yard field goal by Nick Novak.

Redskins Unsung Hero:

#### What Went Wrong

-- The Redskins won't use it as an excuse, but it has to be emphasized that the Eagles were rested and ready after coming off a bye. It was apparent that they had fresh legs early, helping them to build a 17-3 first-half lead. The Eagles switched up play-callers during the bye--offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg took over for head coach Andy Reid--and that's something that the Redskins did not anticipate.

-- The Redskins' passing game continues to struggle with consistency. A lot of the focus has to go on Mark Brunell, who was 16-of-31 for 132 yards, with one costly interception returned 70 yards for a touchdown. Brunell didn't see Sheldon Brown before it was too late. Most of Brunell's throws were in the short or intermediate range, even on 3rd-and-long. His QB rating was 49.4, his lowest of the season.

-- The Redskins crossed into Eagles territory on 6-of-10 offensive drives on Sunday. The offense produced just three points.

-- Clinton Portis's injury, a fractured right hand, was certainly a setback for the Redskins' offense. Santana Moss was still slowed by his hamstring injury and he could not serve as the Redskins' deep threat like he has in the past.

-- Perhaps Nick Novak gets a pass because he was kicking in inclement weather. But he still missed a 48-yard field goal attempt that would have given the Redskins some first-half momentum. Later, he made a 32-yarder, but Novak has converted just 3-of-7 field goal attempts this season.

-- Big plays continue to be the Achilles heel of the Redskins defense. Donovan McNabb connected with Donte Stallworth on an 84-yard touchdown in the first quarter. In the second quarter, on a 3rd-and-15 play, McNabb connected with Reggie Brown on a 20-yard pass play; Brown fumbled, but the ball was recovered by Correll Buckhalter, who ran 37 yards for a touchdown.

-- It was a tough game for No. 21. Sean Taylor allowed Donte Stallworth to get past him on the 84-yard score. Later, he picked up a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on a late hit.

-- The Redskins' defense was unable to force a turnover for the fifth consecutive game. Even when they did force a fumble, as Shawn Springs did on Reggie Brown in the second quarter, the ball was quickly scooped up by Correll Buckhalter and returned for a touchdown. In the third quarter, it appeared Brian Westbrook fumbled, with Lemar Marshall gathering in the turnover. But referees ruled that Westbrook was down by contact, infuriating Joe Gibbs and Gregg Williams.

What Went Right

#### What's Next:

The Redskins travel to Tampa Bay to take on the struggling Buccaneers this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. That's the site of two memorable Redskins-Bucs games last year. There was the Redskins' 36-35 loss to the Bucs in mid-November last season, a game that ended in controversy when it appeared Washington had stopped fullback Mike Alstott on a 2-point conversion at the end of regulation. Last January, the Redskins exacted revenge in the postseason, winning 17-10 in the Wild Card round.

Stats Geek:

#### Quote:

"People can count us out if they want to, but we are just going to keep slugging it out there. All we can do is our jobs and play the last seven games out and see what happens. Every week you cannot go out there thinking you are going to lose because we all have jobs to do." -- Santana Moss

Lasting Impressions:

It's the question on everyone's mind: Will Joe Gibbs make a change at quarterback, inserting second-year player Jason Campbell? If he does, the move will be done very carefully. Washington is a veteran team, one with a mindset to win now. Despite the 3-6 record, the Redskins are not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It may not be realistic, but anything can happen in the NFL these days. If Gibbs stays with Brunell, it will be because he believes Brunell gives him a better chance to win now.

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