As the Eagles prepare themselves for their second divisional matchup in three weeks, it’s time to once again make some predictions as to how the game will pan out. Only two out of our five Eagles writers predicted that the Chiefs would win last Sunday, but what do the team make of today’s matchup?
Liam “Cup of Tea” Jenkins 1-0
The Eagles may have lost to Kansas City one week ago, but once again, Doug Pederson was able to add another one possession loss to his tally. This team simply doesn’t quit. Against all odds and with a depleted secondary, they fought until the bitter end. Now, they face a Giants team who have their backs to the wall and have struggled to create anything positive since the first half of last year.
This matchup will come down to two key points. Home field advantage and the pass rush. The Eagles are playing their first home game of the year and if the form Wentz displayed at the Linc last season is anything to go by, we could finally see the Offense click together. If the pass rush can maintain it’s relentless pacing and formidable form, then this should be a solid win for the Eagles.
Prediction: Giants 14 Eagles 27
Quentin “Not LeGarrette” Blount 0-1
If the Eagles’ pass rush gets going, especially in front of their home fans, this game could be over before we know it. However, NYG will have opportunities to take chances down the field against a banged up Eagles’ secondary. While this could very easily be a blowout, I think as desperate as the Giants are at the moment, they will make it interesting.
Prediction: Eagles 27 Giants 20
Tyler “The need for” Steege 0-1
It’s pretty simple. The Eagles have one of the league’s best fronts in the entire league. The Giants have one of, if not the worst offensive lines in the league. The Giants have a scary set of skill players, but the Eagles’ defensive line will be too much. Especially with the crowd noise playing its part in the home opener at the Linc.
Prediction: Eagles 31 Giants 17
Brenden “My picks are” Pedigree 0-1
For the first time since 2002, the Philadelphia Eagles have the chance to play two divisional opponents in the first three weeks of the season. The Eagles knocked off the Redskins in week one and have a chance to do the same to the struggling, 0-2 New York Giants.
The Giants have given up eight sacks in the first two weeks of the season. Left tackle Ereck Flowers is coming off of a week that he gave up three sacks (and felt that he had a good game if you just remove those three plays!). Even if the Giants wanted to, there are no other options at tackle on their roster until you look at the practice squad. The Eagles have sacked the quarterback eight times through the first two weeks against far superior offensive lines. This is one of the biggest mismatches you’ll see this season for the Eagles. I believe the Eagles have a legitimate chance of accumulating double-digit sacks in this game.
The Giants have a number of dangerous receiving threats but those mean nothing if the quarterback doesn’t have time to throw the ball. The Eagles defensive backs held it down last week despite having injuries to their starting cornerback, safety and top reserve safety.
Despite the Eagles being heavy favorites, this is a divisional game against a New York Giant team whose season could be lost in week three by starting 0-3. It will be a close one until late and the Eagles will pull away at the end by running the ball to kill the clock. Yup, that’s right!
Prediction: Eagles 21 Giants 13
Chris “Has the best sounding name of any of our writers” Coviello 1-0
“IT’S GIANTS WEEK BABY”, Brandon Graham was quoted as yelling at practice earlier this week which leads me to believe that despite all the talk of the Giants being in a “must win” situation, the Eagles are still aware of their challenge. They know who’s coming to town and they understand the importance of getting division wins especially at home. As much as the Giants are trying to hype themselves up for this, I simply do not believe they are playing well enough right now to win this game. The Eagles pass rush will be too much for the Giants offensive line. I expect at least 2 turnovers from the defense. Offensively, there will be a greater emphasis on the run after a week of being criticized by the media and fans. Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement will both and get more looks on Sunday. Let’s not forget this is the home opener at the Linc and the fans will be rocking after moths without seeing the Eagles.
