After a strong week against the Rams where three of our bold predictions came to fruition, we now sit at 22/60 with three games remaining. Our chase to go .500 on the season is still alive as the Eagles head into a week 15 clash with the New York Giants. A heroic Jake Elliott field goal was all that separated the two team’s last time out…but will that change this week?
Nick Folean Dynamite:
Nick Foles is making his first NFL start since November of last year and while there are plenty of reasons for fans to be concerned with how the offense will function, the Eagles quarterback did lead his team to overcome a 4 point deficit against the Rams in the fourth quarter one week ago. The Eagles have all the conscience in the world in the sixth-year signal caller, hence the hefty contract given to him.
My first prediction is for the Eagles to come out swinging offensively with plenty of deep balls and timing routes, leading Foles to go on and record 250+ passing yards, 2+ touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
Riding the run:
Jay Ajayi’s recent breakout partnered with LeGarrette Blount’s dip in form over recent weeks may paint a very bizarre picture for the Eagles backfield, but make no mistake, Pederson will want to establish the run early and often. Ajayi is averaging over 5 yards per carry this season and if the Birds can control the tempo against the Giants and maintain a balanced offense, it not only helps Nick Foles, but also a weakened left hand side of the offensive line.
Secondly, I predict the Eagles to have their first 100-yard rusher since Blount gashed the Chargers defense for 136. Ajayi is yet to eclipse that milestone as an Eagle, but with a Giants defense that is already wounded, I’m predicting him to surpass Blount’s 136 yard season high and score a pair of touchdowns.
Dominance hits a new level:
The Eagles pass rush has been simply outstanding this season and even against a Rams offense that utilized primarily play-action looks with plenty of quick passes to get away from the strom that ripped through the line, they still made life difficult for Goff. With Justin Pugh now placed on injured reserve and a rushing attack that is nearly invisible, they will be expecting to feast on Eli Manning. My third bold prediction is a simple one; for the Birds to account for 9+ QB hits and 5 sacks against the G-Men.
The left side:
Stefen Wisniewski is questionable for Sunday and if he’s unable to play, it will be down to Chance Warmack and Isaac Seumalo to carry the load. Now, neither of these players have done an immaculate job when asked to step up to the plate this season, but with help from a pulling center in Jason Kelce and a blocking tight end in Brent Celek, the Eagles should be able to mask their deficiency much more effectively than they did against Aaron Donald and the Rams.
Penultimately, I predict the LT and LG positions to allow no more than 2 sacks on Nick Foles and pave the way for a strong rushing effort.
No need for a miracle:
Miracles in the Meadowlands have become a staple of this rivalry, but they won’t be needed this week. The Eagles are favored by 10 points for a reason and that’s without the debatable league MVP. The Giants are on the edge of a complete meltdown and there would be no better team to spark it all than an arch nemesis. I’m predicting the Eagles to blowout the Giants by at least 20 points on Sunday.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
