Neither the Redskins or Eagles will take part in the NFL playoffs, and the play of each team today shows why. The Eagles hold a 10-0 lead over the Redskins at halftime, but neither team looks impressive in a low scoring first half.
The Redskins looked incredibly inept inside the last two minutes of the half. The team caught a break with an Eagle turnover deep in their own territory. It looked like the Redskins could do no worse than a feild goal, and maybe even a touchdown, before Santana Moss drew an unsportsmanlike penalty for removing his helmet on the field. Moss's penalty moved the Redskins from inside the 10-yard line to out past the 20.
From there, Washington quarterback Rex Grossman found reciever Jabar Gaffney for a completion. After the Gaffney catch the team had no timeouts remaining and the clock expired before the Redskins could get their field goal unit on the field. In a year of Redskin failures, this one stood out.
Defensively the Redskins have been able to put pressure on Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, though the Eagles have moved the ball throughout the first half. Vick found Chad Hall for a touchdown late in the second quarter to make the lead 10-0.
Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman extended his consecutive games with an interception streak on a deep pass to receiver Anthony Armstrong. The ball bounced of an Eagle defender straight into the air before Eagle safety Nate Allen hauled in the interception.
The Redskins had a chance to put points on the board earlier in the second quarter, but a Graham Gano field goal attempt was blocked. In a year with atrocious special team play, this game looks particularly poor from the Redskins special team unit. Two kick returns have been marred by penalty flags in addition to the blocked kick.
For more on the Redskins, please visit Hogs Haven, SB Nation's Redskins blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation Philly and Bleeding Green Nation, SB Nation's Eagles blog.