We may have missed our five bold predictions last week, but our target of hitting over half of our predictions this year got off to a great start in week one, as we predicted 2/5 outcomes correctly. The Eagles enter week three riding a wave of competitive fire after a tight loss to the Chiefs, but there are still some questions that need to be answered. Here are five bold predictions for this week’s action.
Sacked:
The Giants have had a torrid time keeping Eli Manning upright so far this season, with their offensive line struggling to establish any kind of consistency. On the other side of things, the Eagles haven’t exactly been prolific in protecting Carson Wentz, forcing the young quarterback to scramble out of pressure a little too much. Wentz was bought down six times in week two, while the Giants have allowed eight sacks this season. With two good Defensive lines waiting in the wings, my first bold prediction is that we will see a total of 15 sacks in week three
Douglas has his day
Rasul Douglas made his debut against the Kansas City Chiefs and surpassed all expectations. The rookie cornerback kept plays ahead of him and was able to go toe-to-toe with Tyreek Hill throughout the afternoon, amassing four tackles and a crucial pass breakup in the process.
One week later, he could be seeing lots of attention from veteran Brandon Marshall and although his start to the season has been less than ideal, the experience Marshall brings to the table with an offense backed against the wall can’t be overlooked. However, Douglas is hungry and plays with a chip on his shoulder…creating an enticing matchup.
My second prediction is that Douglas will record his first NFL interception on Sunday in a matchup that does anything but favor the WVU ballhawk.
Corey Clement’s closure:
One year ago this week, the Eagles backfield dominated the Steelers Defense who has previously waved the white flag to Giovani Bernard. Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner recorded their first NFL touchdowns to put the cherry on the cake, but one year later we may be primed to see the same again.
The Giants have allowed an average of 133 rushing yards per game in their opening two, and if there’s one thing that the Eagles need to find, it’s a spark on the ground. Enter UDFA Corey Clement. The Wisconsin product has been shining on special teams so far and with the team optionally keeping Blount sidelined, we may see him on the Offense sooner rather than later.
I’m predicting that Clement will not only receive his first carry at the NFL level this weekend, but that he’ll rush for 50 yards and his first score, replicating what we saw one year ago.
A I R Y A R D S:
If there’s one thing we’ve seen from Carson Wentz this season, it’s a surge of confidence. The North Dakota State hero is not afraid to let it fly and allow his receivers a shot at coming down with a tightly contested pass. Public enemy number one here for Defenses has been Torrey Smith. Wentz continues to sling it down deep for Smith, who has narrowly missed out on all but one deep pass attempt so far due to Wentz still lacking the touch needed to fire it deep consistently.
Against the Giants however, expect Wentz to take full advantage of the roaring home crowd and finally connect with his man for more than one killer blow. My penultimate bold prediction is for Torrey Smith to receive for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Hicks Six:
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a Jordan Hicks interception, but he’s come close. With a hurting secondary, there’s no doubt that the Giants will be looking to go deep early and often, but it’s important not to forget about Evan Engram.
The tight end poses a versatile challenge for a position that may be forced to move Dexter McDougle into the slot as Robinson bounces back into a vacated Safety spot. If the Giants want to pick apart the middle of the field with the Defense focusing on zone coverage and keeping explosive wideouts contained, expect the former Texas Longhorn to be lurking over the middle.
Hicks has a strong record at home and an even more impressive trait of picking off passes out of nowhere. My final prediction is for Hicks to intercept a stray Eli Manning pass and take it to the house for six.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
