Redskins shut down Eagles, 23-17

PHILADELPHIA — Clinton Portis rushed for 145 yards the injury-depleted Washington Redskins defense shut down the Philadelphia Eagles after the opening possession to finish the most difficult portion of their schedule with a 23-17 win today at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Redskins scored 23 unanswered points, and after the Eagles cut the lead to six points, Washington never gave the football back, holding it for the final 7 minutes, 12 seconds.

In winning consecutive NFC East road games for the first time in seven years, the Redskins (4-1) won their fourth consecutive game and kept pace with the undefeated New York Giants (5-0).

The Redskins put the game away when coach Jim Zorn went for it on fourth-and-1 from the Eagles 38. Portis gained 3 yards.

Trailing 14-9 at halftime, the Redskins took their first lead on Antwaan Randle Els first touchdown pass of the season, 18 yards to Chris Cooley. Randle El took the handoff and rolled right. He threw before crossing the line of scrimmage — the Eagles challenge was not successful.

Philadelphias offense was impotent in the third quarter, managing only 15 yards.

A 15-yard late hit penalty helped set up the Redskins late in the quarter. Randle El returned a punt 28 yards, and then 15 was tacked on when Tank Daniels hit him out of bounds.

The Redskins capitalized. Portis carried four times for 40 yards on the drive, including a 4-yard touchdown run (untouched) to make it 23-14 Washington with 14:54 remaining.

The Eagles finally did something offensively on the ensuing drive. The problem was, it took up 7 minutes, 36 seconds of game time, and it resulted in only three points. On third-and-1 from the 2, Brian Westbrook was thrown for a 3-yard loss, and Philadelphia had to settle for a 22-yard David Akers field goal.

The game couldnt have started worse for the Redskins.

Philadelphia took the opening kickoff and converted three third downs on its way to a 12-play, 80-yard drive capped by Westbrooks 9-yard touchdown run. Westbrook, the DeMatha alum who missed last weeks game with an ankle injury, caught a 17-yard screen pass on the games opening play.

After the Redskins went three-and-out (Campbell under pressure on all three passes), Eagles rookie DeSean Jackson returned a punt 68 yards for a quick 14-0 lead. It was the second touchdown on a punt return allowed by the Redskins.

The Redskins, though, began to chip away at the lead in the second quarter.

Shaun Suishams 41-yard field goal capped a 37-yard drive to get the Redskins on the board.

Suishams 48-yard field goal completed a 15-play drive that started at the Redskins 3-yard line and included three third-down conversions.

Story Continues →