We’re just two days away from the Eagles’ second game 2018. A clash with Tampa Bay lies ahead and with it comes plenty of questions and anticipation. If the Birds’ are to extend their unbeaten run that now dates back the Wildcard game of the 2017 postseason, there will be some key matchups they need to dominate.
DeSean Jackson vs Jalen Mills
D-Jax showed the world he hasn’t lost a step last week, catching 2 touchdown passes and burning the Saints on numerous occasions, including a 58-yard bomb that went to the end zone. Jalen Mills struggled to stop the wrath of Julio Jones in week one and with Mike Evans likely demanding the attention of Ronald Darby, it will be down to Mills to stop an opponent the Eagles know all too well.
Former Eagles vs Eagles offensive line
Vinny Curry and Beau Allen haven’t taken long to settle in their new surroundings. Crucial cogs in the Super Bowl winning pass rush, the duo now host their former teammates and as they know, the best offensive front in Football. Curry exploded for a sack and 2 QB hits against the Saints, but stopping him will be an important task, with keeping Nick Foles upright becoming a priority with a depleted receiving corps.
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Eagles wideouts vs Bucs secondary
Tampa Bay is hurting in the defensive backfield right now. Brent Grimes is questionable, Vernon Hargreaves is now on IR and the team were forced to play rookies against the Saints, resulting in the conceding of 469 passing yards. The Eagles wideouts, although also depleted, may have an advantage here. The speed of Shelton Gibson, route-running of Nelson Agholor and potential return of Mack Hollins present a unique threat that Tampa will have to go above and beyond to neutralize.
Eagles tight ends vs Bucs linebackers
It wasn’t the season opener that Zach Ertz wanted, or expected. The Eagles tight end struggled to find any separation against the likes of Deion Jones and could face a similarly sticky matchup in week 2, with plenty of attention being paid to the Stanford product and his rookie running-mate. Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David helped keep David Watson to just 44 yards of receiving and if the Eagles are to find red zone supremacy, leaning on their two most sizable targets will be absolutely crucial.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
