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NFL Preview - Washington (3-1) at Philadelphia (2-2)

The Sports Network

The Washington Redskins used a landmark victory on the road over an NFC East power last week to build on a strong early-season resume. The surging club will attempt to duplicate that feat in this Sunday's showdown with the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles from Lincoln Financial Field.

Back-to-back home wins over New Orleans and Arizona, following a season- opening setback to the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, offered proof that the Redskins were headed in the right direction under first-year head coach Jim Zorn. But Washington's status in the NFC's hierarchy has since skyrocketed following its 26-24 decision over a Dallas team that had been almost universally considered this year's heir to the conference throne last Sunday at Texas Stadium.

The Redskins pulled off the upset by utilizing a potent clock-eating running game and another remarkably efficient performance under center from rising star quarterback Jason Campbell. Washington kept the Cowboys' quick-strike offense under wraps by possessing the football for over 38 minutes, thanks to a ground attack that churned out 161 yards in an overpowering display.

Campbell did his part as well by throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns in another mistake-free outing. The fourth-year signal-caller has yet to be intercepted in 124 pass attempts this season and has delivered a passer rating over 100 in each of Washington's three straight wins.

While the Redskins come in to Philadelphia with a jolt of confidence, the Eagles return home with a sense of urgency following last week's tough 24-20 loss at Chicago. The defeat left Andy Reid's squad at 2-2 after the season's first month and currently at the bottom of the standings in the highly- competitive NFC East.

The Eagles did have their chances to leave Soldier Field victorious last Sunday, but an offense that was missing dynamic running back Brian Westbrook managed just one touchdown in four trips to the red zone. On Philadelphia's final visit deep inside Chicago territory, Correll Buckhalter was denied on a 4th-and-goal from the Bears one-yard line with under four minutes to play.

Kicker David Akers also missed two longer-distance field goal attempts for the Eagles, who lost five times by four points or less during a disappointing 8-8 finish last season.

Westbrook sat out the Chicago game after spraining his right ankle during Philly's 15-6 home triumph over Pittsburgh in Week 3, and it's unclear as to whether the All-Pro back will be in uniform for Sunday's pivotal tilt. He did practice on a limited basis early in the week.

Philadelphia has won both of its home games this season, outscoring St. Louis and Pittsburgh by a 53-9 margin. However, the Redskins did come away with a 20-12 victory at Lincoln Financial Field during Week 2 of last season.

SERIES HISTORY

The Redskins hold a 75-65-5 lead in their all-time series with the Eagles, including an unconventional home-and-home split last season. As mentioned above, Washington earned a 20-12 Monday night win at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 2 of 2007, and were also 33-25 home losers when the clubs met at FedEx Field in Week 10. The Eagles swept the 2006 home-and-home.

In addition to their regular season advantage, the Redskins won the only postseason meeting between the clubs, a 20-6 road triumph in a 1990 NFC First- Round Playoff.

Reid is 12-6 versus the Redskins since taking over in 1999, Zorn will be meeting both Reid and the Eagles for the first time as a head coach.

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