It was written in the stars that our most successful week to date would come when the Birds flew across the pond to play in a game I was able to attend. This series rose from the ashes last week, as did the Eagles hopes of a title defense in a dominant win over the Jags. We ended the first half of the season with a 13/40 record when it comes to bold predictions, so will a matchup under the Sunday Night Lights kickstart a comeback? Here are this weeks bold picks!
A Golden game:
The debut of Golden Tate is one that comes with plenty of excitement. The ‘YAC Monster’ has a new home in Philadelphia and his first opponent isn’t just the team’s biggest rival, it’s one he burned for two touchdowns earlier in the season for Detroit. If there’s anyone who can change the tone of a game with one play, it’s the man who can do turn into a wizard with the ball in his hands.
My first bold prediction is for Tate to get close to the stat line he racked up when bringing Detroit to within heartbeat of a win, only this time, fortune will favor his form. Tate may not see much action in his debut, but if there’s anyone who can maximize his snap count, it’s this savvy vet. I’m predicting Tate to tally a stunning 100 yard game and a touchdown in his first game as an Eagle in what may be our boldest prediction yet.
Dak on his back:
The Eagles pass rush is running rampant, even if it is lacking some worrying depth both inside and out. However, the Dallas Cowboys have actually given up 28 sacks, which is the 6th most in the NFL. That one-elite offensive line hasn’t been playing up to its reputation and as a result, one of the league’s most tenacious front four’s will have the chance to decimate with a roaring crowd behind them.
Prescott is playing scared and you can see it in the forced throws, missed windows and hesitance when scanning through his reads. With this in mind, I predict that the Eagles will sack Dak 5 times, hitting him 12 times and forcing at least one turnover.
#DouglasSZN
After a season of wondering where Rasul Douglas is in a time of such instability due to secondary injuries, Jim Schwartz has no choice but to play the former third round pick who has done nothing but impress during his limited time on the field this season. With an interception in week 1 and a stunning performance against the Jags, this may be the biggest opportunity of his young career.
Sunday’s clash with Cowboys will be the biggest game of Rasul Douglas’ career
The injury sustained by Jalen Mills may open the door to a one-time shot for Douglas to prove himself as a starter once more, something that even Dexter McDougle was afforded before him this year. It’s time for the ballhawk to feast.
Thirdly, I predict Douglas to pick off a pass against the Cowboys, making a very firm statement to his defensive coordinator that he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Mailata’s time to shine:
When asked about the possibility of rookie offensive lineman, Jordan Mailata, playing running back, Pederson smiled and stated that it wasn’t out of the question. Well, what if it’s very much in the question?
Mailata’s progress at tackle has been nothing short of astounding considering he had never even played the sport of football prior to being drafted. The former Rugby star weighs in at 6’8 345 lbs and just imagine this.
It’s third/fourth and goal at the one yard line. Mailata jogs onto the field and bullies his way into the end zone for six. That’s my penultimate bold prediction and one that if it comes true, would shake the Eagles fanbase to its core.
The unstoppable force moves the immovable object:
Ezekiel Elliott always finds a way to make Eagles fans clench their fists and I’m sure this Sunday will be no exception. One of the most well-rounded and patient backs in the league, Elliott has 680 yards this year already along with 3 touchdowns and 5 runs of 20+ yards, not to mention his 226 yards through the air. He faces an elite run defense this week, but he did a few weeks back against Jacksonville, where he rushed for 106 yards and 1TD.
The Eagles meanwhile have given up just 670 rushing yards this season with 4 quarterbacks actually LEADING their team in rushing yards against this incredibly stout unit. Any myth about this run defense only being successful due to teams throwing from behind in 2017 has been well and truly debunked, with the Eagles allowing 4.5 yards per attempt and just 4 touchdowns on the ground all year.
Finally, I’m predicting the Eagles to hold Elliott to 50 rushing yards and no touchdowns. A stiff order, but one that this unit can rise to the occasion for in a heated divisional matchup at home under the Sunday night lights.
What are your predictions for the game? Let us know in the comments!
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
