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News: Final Redskins-Eagles injury report, RFK to be demolished
The Washington Redskins wrapped up the final Week 1 preparations for Sunday's match-up with the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Jay Gruden is seeking to pull out a victory on opening day for the second year in a row, sporting a Week 1 record of 1-4 in his career. He will turn to Case Keenum to captain his squad to victory. Keenum himself will be looking to stave off rookie first-round pick Dwayne Haskins Jr. for as long as possible. The coach and QB will be two peas in a pod this year.
Meanwhile, RFK stadium, host to the Redskins until 1996, will be demolished by 2021, in a move by the city to lower costs and create a new recreational area for residents. It's housed five different NFC championship games and decades of regular-season memories. As the city looks to the future, so do the Redskins, and while many prognosticators don't see a whole lot of positives coming this year, starting this weekend in Philadelphia, the future is bright.
Redskins' Jay Gruden back in familiar spot, coaching for his job :: ESPN
Truth be told, just about every head coach in the NFL is on the hot seat, every minute of every day. It's the nature of the beast. John Keim sees this season as prove-it season for Gruden, noting it's not the first time he's been on the hot seat, but that it's sizzling hot this year.
"The Redskins haven't made the playoffs since 2015, when they lost in their only postseason game. They're 31-32-1 the past four years after a 4-12 mark in Gruden's first season. His contract expires after the 2020 season."
Washington's RFK Stadium to be demolished by '21 :: ESPN
The Redskins haven't played at RFK since 1996, but still she stands. The venerable stadium has continued to host a slew of events over the years, including the first three seasons of Nationals baseball and D.C. United all the way from 1996 until 2017. But alas, her time has come. Team owner Daniel Snyder has shown an interest in the sight, but the odds are long he'll be able to wrest it from city, which plans to turn the site into recreational space.
"Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has spoken with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser about the possibility of a new stadium at the RFK site, but the city's current plan is to transform the site into recreational and event space. The Redskins have also considered building a new stadium in Maryland or Virginia. The team is contractually obligated to play at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, until 2027."
How Worried Should the Redskins Be about the Philadelphia Eagles? :: Hogs Haven
Among the positives heading into Sunday's match-up with the Eagles; the Eagles struggled out of the gate last year, starting just 4-6, and quarterback Carson Wentz still needs to prove he can stay healthy. That said, the Eagles did sweep the Redskins in 2018, and the talent pool is still rife in the city of brotherly love.
Redskins vs. Eagles: Five keys to Sunday’s game :: The Washington Post
It's going to take a great game, but the Redskins can do it. Chief among the priorites to beating the Eagles is stopping their tremendous pass rush, something that'll have to be done without all-pro left tackle Trent Williams, who remains absent.
1. Mitigate the impact of Philadelphia’s pass rush
2. Get defensive penetration up front
3. Get Guice going
4. Win the field position game
5. Let the young receivers fly
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles odds, picks and best bets :: USA Today
For those with a gambler's heart, USA Today has the betting trends on wrap. They've broken down both team's history in situations applicable to this week's game, and given their prediction on the outcome.
Prediction:
Eagles 24, Redskins 13
Moneyline ( ?):
With such a big spread (Eagles -10.5) it is either dangerous or irresponsible to consider the moneyline here. The Eagles will likely win the game but at -455, there is little value to be had. If you think Washington will surprise the world on Sunday with a massive upset, then the +350 line is juicy, but unlikely.
Injury Report: Jordan Reed listed as questionable, Fabian Moreau out :: Redskins Wire
Reed is not yet cleared for contact, which put's a big old Ridler's question mark on his chest for Sunday's match-up in Philadelphia. Reed has been at practice the last two days, but as a non-contact participant. Jason LaCanfora adds in late on Thursday, the chances of Reed playing aren't looking good.
B/R Experts Rank the Top 50 NFL Players Heading into 2019 :: Bleacher Report
The bad news: No Redskins made the list. The Good news: That's definitely not right. The Redskins, as short-stacked as the current roster may appear, have a few bonafide superstars that could've qualified, including Trent Williams and Josh Norman. And check back in a couple years when Dwayne Haskins Jr. and Derrius Guice are wrecking defenses together.
‘He’s got a ways to go’: Jay Gruden, Washington practicing patience with Dwayne Haskins :: The Athletic
The Redskins are going to lean on Case Keenum for as long as he can keep Haskins at bay, with no rush to push him into action too early. They going trend in the NFL is to let high draft picks sit for a half-season or so before putting them in to get game experience heading into the following year. That appears to be the track Haskins is on.
