Last week saw a return to form for this series as I predicted 3/5 correct outcomes for the Eagles in their impressive win over the Bears.
Our five bold predictions article:
Wentz no picks and a td ✅
Trey Burton td ✅
Jalen Mills five tackles✅Stop sleeping.
— Philly Sports Network (@PhiladelphiaSN) September 20, 2016
That record gives us a 4/10 record for the season after falling short on a couple in the opening week, but anything above 25% for bold predictions is where we’re aiming. So with that in mind, here are five more bold statements ahead of the Eagles week 3 rivalry showdown with the Steelers.
The little engine that could:
The Steelers may have forced the Bengals into a one dimensional Offense, but in doing so, they allowed running back Giovani Bernard to rack up 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. Darren Sproles is one of the most dynamic “swiss army knife” backs in the game and with the Steelers Defense built to avoid giving up deep passes, the West-Coast system should really have an edge here if they can utilize the backfield.
Sproles has been kept quiet in terms of receiving so far, but if the Eagles can balance the rushing attack and allow for Sproles to be used in a more versatile manner, the team could easily dictate the pace of the game and continue their Offensive success.
Darren Sproles hasn’t been used catching out of the backfield as often as many predicted, but the Eagles could become reliant on it today. I’m predicting Sproles to notch up 100 all purpose yards and a touchdown.
The Burton Bus:
The Wentz wagon may be in motion, but I’ve been driving the Burton Bus for quite some time now. 49 yards and a touchdown are the numbers that Trey Burton walked away with after his first game where he saw a lot of Offensive action. Standing in for the injured Zach Ertz, Burton’s chemistry with Wentz was apparent from the off..and against a Defense that leaves a lot of open space over the middle..look for Burton to become a focal point of the Offense.
Burton was impressive last week, following on from a big Training camp and preseason..but against a physical Steelers Defense where his athleticism and ability to haul in tough catches could be called upon early and often, I’m predicting Burton to receive for 21 more yards than last week, (70) and another touchdown.
Graham’s growth:
Fletcher Cox is a man who has received a lot of attention this season so far..mainly in the way of double and triple teams to stop the Man-dog wreaking havoc. Whole Cox has not been as impressive as a result, it’s allowed for Brandon Graham to have an explosive start to the season..something that will continue this week.
Seven tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble have seen Graham become one of the most dominant DE’s in the league so far..and with an emphasis on protecting big Ben from the interior duo of Cox and Logan, he could thrive once again. 5 tackles and a sack are what I’m boldly predicting Brandon Graham to rack up today as he thwarts the rushing of DeAngelo Williams and gets in the face of Big Ben consistently.
Patience in the pocket:
Patience is the name of the game today for Carson Wentz who is yet to throw an interception. The Steelers are the toughest Defense that Wentz will have encountered so far and as a result, will need to be patient if he is to overcome them and avoid leaving himself open to big hits.
However, this is Carson Wentz..a quarterback who is really yet to put a foot wrong and has shown incredible poise to this point. Now that he’s facing a Defense where his weaknesses are the opposition’s strengths..expect Wentz to stay in his comfort zone.
My bold prediction for week 3 is for Wentz to throw for 200 yards, 2 touchdowns and for the third consecutive week (as we’ve predicted twice already), no interceptions.
The emergence of DGB:
Even though he’s seen an increase in snaps through his first two games in midnight green, Dorial Green-Beckham is yet to see a sufficient amount of passes thrown his way, mainly due to his unfamiliarity with the system. However, with reports suggesting he has most of the playbook down..this could be the game where the 6’5 receiver sees more action.
Green-Beckham is a mismatch nightmare..and against a Steelers Defense that bends but doesn’t break, he is the kind of playmaker needed to completely turn the tide of events. He may not be out there on every play, but expect DGB to see a heavier snap count this week..and as a result, a more impressive stat line.
My final bold prediction is for Green-Beckham to receive for 50 yards and catch his first regular season touchdown pass as an Eagle.
Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
