Eagles' defense prepping equally for Redskins' pass, run without CB Lito Sheppard

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Defense was the least-troublesome unit for the Philadelphia Eagles in their season-opening loss. A bumbling special teams and lackluster offense saw to that.

But despite a solid effort, the doubts that had earlier dogged the Eagles' defense have resurfaced.

That's a result of the Eagles facing a multifaceted Washington Redskins offense without injured Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard in a key early season division matchup under the glare of Monday night lights and in front of a national TV audience.

"I think we got off to a good start," linebacker Takeo Spikes said Friday. "We did a lot of things well and we accomplished all of our team goals.

"This is definitely another challenge."

Will James will rotate into Sheppard's spot, and Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is confident he'll fill the void until the two-time Pro Bowler returns from a strained knee ligament.

"He had some experience last year, and been here the whole offseason," Johnson said of James. "He knows the defense pretty good, he just hasn't played has much as Lito and Sheldon (Brown)."

To a man, the Eagles insist they're over last week's 16-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers and the two special teams miscues that contributed to their 0-1 start.

The most costly mistake came with just under a minute left when J.R. Reed fumbled a punt that helped set up Mason Crosby's game-winning field goal from 42 yards with 2 seconds remaining. The Eagles took care of special teams business this week by bringing back Reno Mahe to return punts.

Defensively, it's up that unit to build on last week's effort.

The Eagles are looking for the same solid performance that held Green Bay's rushing attack to just 46 yards on 17 attempts. That'll be a tough task against the Redskins' Clinton Portis (98 yards, 17 carries) and Ladell Betts (59 yards, 17 rushes).

"They are two of the same kind of backs," said linebacker Omar Gaither, who had five solo tackles and six overall in the opener. "They run the same kind of way, the same plays."

Spikes had a strong debut with the Birds, finishing with 12 tackles, including 10 solos. Surprisingly, the 10-year veteran has never played a game on Monday night while with Cincinnati and Buffalo. So he's out to enjoy every minute of this one.