Eagles Know They’ll See a Different Redskins Team Monday Night

The Eagles are coming off of an extra long week after playing in Carolina last Thursday Night and are starting a three-game homestand starting this Monday Night in a rematch against the Washington Redskins (3-2).

Head coach Doug Pederson, knows the team his Eagles beat on the road in Week 1 isn't the same team they'll see on Sunday.

"I just think they're a little more in sync on offense, the passing game," Pederson explained on Thursday. "Of course, the running game has always been big for them. Their offensive line is playing extremely well. Probably one of the tops in the league."

"Defensively, it's not a fancy or an overly -- the scheme is not, I don't want to say creative, but it's very simple for the guys, and they're playing fast. They're making plays on defense."

"I just think that's the consistency that you're seeing from them. The quarterback, Kirk [Cousins], has done a very good job of not turning the ball over. Time of possession is really high. I think it's in the top three in the league. They're scoring points."

"It's a little more consistency overall."

Part of the Redskins consistency has been the play of running back Chris Thompson, who is currently on pace to go over the 1,000 receiving mark for the season with 340 yards in five games.

In Week 1 against the Eagles, Thompson had four catches for 52 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown. Last week in a win against the 49ers, Thompson had four catches for 105 yards.

ESPN NFL reporter Sal Paloantonio joined the Sports Bash on Friday for his weekly 'Sal Pal Friday' segment and singled Thompson out as a player to keep an eye on, on the Washington offense.

"The Redskins have found way to beat teams on third down and that’s Chris Thompson," Paolantonio said. "So the Eagles better be ready for Chris Thompson. The screen game for the redskins is working really well and the Eagles are a very poor screen defensive team."

"Right now, the Redskins have evolved into a much better pass offense than they had first game of the year."

When I asked Paolantonio what the No. 1 key to an Eagles is on Sunday the answer was simple.

"You gotta find Chris Thompson because he will kill you. Find him, and eliminate him from the game. Especially in the screen game when they run [guard ]Brandon Schreff out there, it’s been a killer all year long."