I don’t think anybody expected the Eagles to come out flat against the Cowboys, but here we are. The Birds are in a must-win situation against the most lethal team in the NFC. Here are our five bold predictions ahead of Sunday’s marquee game. Can we turn our 13/45 record around with a strong run?
Adams finally takes charge:
The New Orleans Saints aren’t just dominant offensively, but they’re suffocating in the run. Their double-team drawing defensive tackles who just eat up space for fun have forced opponents to an average of just 80 yards per game on the ground and 3.7 yards per carry. It sounds like the Eagles rushing efforts may be killed before they’re even born, but there is a wildcard in the mix.
Josh Adams, although used quite sporadically, is leading the Eagles in yards per carry and in explosive rushes of 15 yards or more. He hasn’t yet been given the reins to the backfield but in a game where the Eagles clearly have to find a balance, they may be forced to use the skillset of Adams.
My first bold prediction id for the Notre Dame product to seize the moment and lead the team in rushing with 60+ yards and his first ever NFL touchdown.
A Golden start:
Golden Tate didn’t enjoy the productive debut fans envisioned, but that could change in his second week as an Eagle…especially considering he’s averaged nearly 110 yards per game in his last four outings against the Saints, scoring 5 touchdowns in the process.
While it’s still not known just how Tate is going to be used in the Eagles offense or to what extent, my second bold prediction is for the former Lions star to settle into his new role, recording 70+ receiving yards and his first Eagles touchdown.
Smothering a flame:
At this stage in the season, I don’t think I need to mention just how dangerous both Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram really are. They have more rushing touchdowns than any other team in the NFL and between them, average over 4 yards per carry. Kamara does a little bit of everything (exceptionally well too, might I add) while Ingram packs the necessary punch to move the chains and draws plenty of linebackers eyes when in the backfield. The Eagles elite run defense will be tested more than it has all season on Sunday, but with the potential return of Timmy Jernigan, they may well be able to suffocate the flame.
Thirdly, I predict that the Eagles will hold the duo of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram to under 150 yards combined and allowing one touchdown at most.
Sid the Kid:
Prized cornerback Sidney Jones is set to make his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury and it’s safe to say he won’t have an easy afternoon. Michael Thomas will most likely be his main assignment all night, a matchup I broke down below.
In his first game back from injury, Eagles CB Sidney Jones will face his toughest challenge
Penultimately, I’m predicting Jones to hold his own against Thomas and injecting a much needed sense of playmaking. Jones will pick off the first past of his career and bat down a further two.
A duel like no other:
Brees vs Wentz has the makings of one of the most exciting shootouts of the season. Wentz is completing over 70% of his passes and Brees is completing close to 80%. Both quarterbacks are in the form of their lives and have strong receiver production to aid their laser-arms. But who will come out on top? It’s going to take something special…
After weeks of hearing the ‘clutch’ argument and criticism’s surrounding the offenses inability to start fast, I’m predicting Wentz to throw for 400 yards, 3 touchdowns and no picks, guiding the Eagles offense to a much needed breakout win against the arguably kings of the NFC.
What are your predictions for the game? Let us know in the comments!
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
