November 18-24, 2004

naked city

How They'll Lose

Week 10 vs. Washington

by Brian Hickey

On week nine of the 2001 season, the Eagles went to Dallas and smoked the Cowboys 36-3. The next week, they came home to play the Washington Redskins. At the time, the Birds had a comfortable division lead and the Skins were trying to crawl out from under the prospects of a sub-.500 season. In the days leading up to that game, nobody gave Washington much of a chance to win.

Well, on that November night three years ago, the Eagles fans were left to figure out just what went wrong. They had to ask themselves how the Birds could put up so many points one week only to register a measly field goal the next time they took the field.

If you're seeking any justification for how the Patrick Ramsey-led Skins could come to the Linc and depart victorious this weekend, you needn't look any further than the Eagles' recent history. Sure, the rosters have essentially turned over since Washington won 13-3 at the Vet, but did Monday night in Dallas offer any proof that the Birds can shut down a serviceable running attack? Believe you me, Clinton Portis will not pull an Eddie "I Don't Like Gripping the Ball Tightly" George. And Joe Gibbs will hardly throw in the towel like Bill "We're Stupid" Parcells, especially on a NASCAR-championship Sunday.

At 8-1, with a seemingly cakewalk schedule in the weeks ahead, it'll be tempting for the Eagles to overlook the Skins. Just like they did three years ago.

Redskins 27, Eagles 20