Well, last week was a train-wreck. The Eagles were forcibly dismantled by Drew Brees and the Saints offense, leaving the defending Super Bowl champs with a lot of reflecting to do. Every cloud has a silver lining though as were able to accurately predict two events during the game, raising our record to 15/50. With their backs to the wall and a winnable game on the horizon, can the Eagles finally right the Ship? Here are five bold predictions for this weekend’s game.
Hey Siri, play ‘Run’ by Snow Patrol:
As I broke down in an article yesterday, running the ball is an absolute necessity for the Eagles offense on Sunday.
Pederson and the Eagles simply have to commit to the run against New York on Sunday
In front of a home crowd, the Eagles face a defense that has given up back-to-back 100-yard games to ‘average’ running backs. The Birds have failed to establish and committed to the run all season long but with Josh Adams breaking off a 20+ yard run in each of his last three games, all signs are pointing towards a ground-heavy effort. With Carson Wentz clearly putting the weight of the world on his shoulders, it’s down to the coaching staff to build around the run and relieve him of that stress so he can play his natural game.
My first bold prediction is for Josh Adams to record his first ever 100-yard game and score his second ever touchdown in the process.
#Comebackszn
Carson Wentz had the worst game since his rookie season last week, throwing three picks for just the second time in his career so far. Against a run-of-the-mill Giants defense that has struggled to put pressure on quarterbacks this season, I’m predicting Wentz to bounce back and make a statement, biting back at the words of Janoris Jenkins earlier this week.
I’m predicting Wentz will throw for 350 yards, 3 touchdowns and record 30 rushing yards, just to put the icing on the cake.
We all love an underdog:
The Eagles secondary is running on fumes right now and faces a Giants offense that is beginning to find its rhythm. While that is arguably too little, too late, the G-men aren’t going to role into a game that could make or break their season and simply roll over. This means that the likes of Chandon Sullivan, CreVon LeBlanc and De’Vante Bausby are going to have their work cut out for them filling in for the missing starters.
But wouldn’t it be the most ‘Eagles thing’ ever if one of those corners were to record an interception? After all, they’ve picked off a dismal 4 this year. Thirdly, I’m predicting that one of the underdog corners are going to make their mark, recording the first Eagles pick six of the season.
Judgement day:
Timmy Jernigan is back and finally, the Eagles front four is looking a little more complete, although lacking some outside depth. Fletcher Cox has been carrying the load all season long, fighting off double teams as a flurry of UDFA’s and practice squad members filled the void for Jernigan. But now the former Baltimore bruiser is back, just how impactful will he be?
The Giants oddly started sending Saquon Barkley up the middle far more frequently last week and had great success doing so. That won’t fly at the Linc. Expect Timmy Jernigan to get into the backfield and record 1.5 tackles for a loss and a sack on his return to the Eagles defense.
Matthews makes a statement:
As all the noise surrounding Nelson Agholor and Golden Tate continues to fill the airwaves, what nobody is talking about is how impressive Jordan Matthews has been this season since his return. A big game against the Jags has been followed with some key third-down conversions and clutch catches when the team need it most. Showing his versatility as a WR2, Matthews could be on for a big game if the Giants defense is focusing on the receiving options with more ‘star-power’.
Let’s not forget, in 2016 Matthews put up 88 yards against this Giants team and I’m predicting he will record at least the same number again, as well as scoring a touchdown.
What are your bold predictions for Sunday? Let us know in the comments!
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
