Critical Week 5 Games
It's a week filled with one team trying to pull away from the pack and the rest trying to stay in it.
Washington at Philadelphia
Anytime you have a matchup between two NFC East teams, it's going to be a good weekend. The Redskins, who weren't even supposed to be in the same conversation as the rest of the NFC East this season, have won three straight after an opening-week loss and could make a huge statement in the conference if they manage to beat the Cowboys and the Eagles back-to-back. Offensively, the Redskins have been as good as anybody and quarterback Jason Campbel has steadily managed the team. His favorite receiver, Santana Moss, is having a tremendous season and is one of only four receivers in the league averaging over 100 yards per game. The key matchup of the game could be Moss vs. Asante Samuel Philadelphia desperately needs a win to avoid getting burried in the division and the return of Brian Westbrook should help. Westbrooks adds another dimension to the game, both with his running and his pass catching abilities and his pressence alone can make him a game-changing back. Westbrook has always played well against the Redskins, having scored six touchdowns (two rushing, four passing) in 10 career games against Washington.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville
The Steelers are not as desperate as they were heading into last week's game against the Baltimore Ravens, but Pittsburgh is probably still pretty antsy about its offensive production this season. Things don't get any easier on that front as the Steelers are now down to third-string running back Mewelde Moore as their starter and practice squad runner Gary Russell as the top backup. They also signed Najeh Davenport to add depth with someone who is already familiar with the offense. Ben Roethisberger is also still nursing a shoulder injury he's been dealing with for most of the season and after facing tough secondaries the last two weeks, could find some relief. Jacksonville will be without starters Reggie Nelson and Drayton Florence in the secondary. This is more of a must-win for Jacksonville, who are hoping not to let Tennessee run away with the division and still have to worry about the Indianapolis Colts in their rear view mirror. While banged up, the Jaguars defense needs to show the discipline they showed earlier this season before they gave up nearly 400 yards and 27 points to Houston last week.
Tennessee at Baltimore
It's pretty safe to say at this point that the Tennessee Titans are for real. A complete powerhouse on defense, the Titans are giving up a mere 11.5 points per game and forces turnovers at an alarming rate. The offense isn't overpowering, but Chris Johnson has proven to be an very explosive back, complimented by LenDale White's size and power and Kerry Collins hasn't made too many of the dumb mistakes that plagued his career with the Giants. The Ravens are still in the thick of things in the AFC North and a win over one the NFL's last three undefeated teams could be a bold statement. The Ravens, while not having the same torrid turnover numbers as Tennessee is also a tremendously talented unit, allowing less than 200 yards per game. This should be a classic battle in the tenches type of defensive battle.
