Playoffs may be out of reach for the Philadelphia Eagles, but there is still plenty to play for on Sunday. The birds are looking to snap a four game losing streak against the vicious Baltimore Ravens but if they’re to do so, they’ll need big games from some key players on the team.
Carson Wentz:
After what was arguably his most impressive performance of the year, Carson Wentz now has to lead his Eagles Offense into the Baltimore badlands. The Ravens Defense has run rampant this season and behind a banged up Offensive line without much of a run game, Wentz will be once again carrying the Offense on his shoulders.
This is debatably the toughest test Wentz has faced this season. It’s up to the rookie quarterback to lead his team and inspire them throughout the game, as well as making things happen without much help around him. If Wentz can come out swinging with that growing chip on his shoulder, not only will we see how far along he is mentally, but just how far he’s come in his rookie season.
Isaac Seumalo:
The rookie Offensive lineman is set to become the fifth Eagle to play as right tackle this season. While drafted as an interior lineman, one of his biggest assets coming into the league was his versatility. That will be tested to its core against the Ravens pass rush.
The Ravens have amassed 29 sacks this season and will be licking their lips at the idea of a wounded Eagles front line. But if Seumalo can build on the base he laid down against the Redskins, that dominance may be marginalized.
The Eagles third round pick will have his work cut out for him, but just like Big V before him, this is about developing for the future and fortifying the pick of Carson Wentz. If Seumalo can prove to the coaching staff that he’s capable of playing on the outside too, then it will only add more value to their third round pick.
Fletcher Cox:
Cox recorded his first sack since week 3 against the Redskins in a performance that sparked excitement among the Philly faithful. Cox finally broke free of the chains holding him down and was a nightmare for Kirk Cousins and the Redskins Offensive front. The question is, can he repeat it?
Baltimore’s Offense has been interesting to say the least this season. But when the temperatures drop and the pressure rises, Joe Flacco becomes a different quarterback. The dominance of Cox will be absolutely crucial to the success of the Eagles on Sunday..and if he can keep the Ravens veteran on his toes, then the Eagles have a shot of at least forcing a shootout and giving Carson Wentz a chance at an upset.
Jalen Mills:
It’s not yet known whether Dwayne Gratz will be active on Sunday, but it was Jalen Mills taking snaps in the slot against the Redskins. The seventh round pick has been asked to do it all this season and he could be relied on once again this weekend.
Mills has had a topsy-turvy season, but if he can adapt to what potentially could be his new role and show that he has the potential to develop into a reliable slot corner, it’s one less hole that the Eagles need to worry about filling during the offseason.
The former LSU leader didn’t fare too badly in his first snaps in the slot..but if he can have a big game against the Ravens, it will certainly ensure that a wobbly season ends on a high note.
Jordan Matthews:
Jordan Matthews is once again on the edge of reaching his first 1,000 yard season as an NFL receiver..but it remains to be seen whether a missed game due to an ankle injury will prevent that from becoming a reality.
Matthews is without a doubt the Eagles top receiving threat and now he’s back to 100%, will be a prominent target against the Ravens Secondary. If the Eagles Offense is able to move the chains, the tempo of Doug’s Offense will be even more crucial than ever, due to a lack of run game and an O-Line that could struggle to keep pressure at bay. If there’s anyone that thrives on getting YAC in short yardage passes, it’s Jordan Matthews.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
