Eagles going back to college to stop RG3, Washington

The Redskins play in the NFL, so naturally they are a professional football team. However, looking at their playbook this season paints the portrait of a college team. And that’s exactly how they want it.

When the Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III they knew that to fully showcase his off-the-charts talent, they had to add new looks. They’ll often line multiple players up in the backfield and use misdirection. The move has worked, with Washington sitting third in the NFL in rushing offense (164.6 yards per game).

“They’re one of the top rushing teams in the league, so obviously they’re doing something well,” said linebacker DeMeco Ryans. “I know that from the clips I have seen, guys run pretty hard. Top rushing attacking, a good offensive line; they know how to get up to the second level pretty good.”

Get that covered up, then Griffin III flashes the option. It’s something few NFL teams have been able to run effectively. Eagles defensive coordinator Todd Bowles admitted that he hadn’t seen that lively of an offense in 12 years.

“You’ve got to be disciplined,” Bowles said. “You’ve got to stay in your gaps, stay in your lanes and, schematically, everybody’s got to be in the same place and be on the same page at the same time.”

If they turn to a different page at another time, it’s going to be another grueling week for the Eagles.