FOOTBALL SEASON IS FINALLY UPON US. The long wait is over as the Philadelphia Eagles take to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since December 23rd for some preseason action against the Tennessee Titans. With that in mind, here are five bold predictions ahead of the game.
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Wentz, Jackson, TOUCHDOWN
How could we not start off with this?! In true McNabb to T.O fashion, my first bold prediction is that Carson Wentz (who I would guess will play a series or two before being pulled faster than you could say ‘Bison’) will unleash a deep ball to DeSean Jackson on the opening play of the game that will go for a touchdown. It just has to happen, right? The two have been lighting up Training Camp, connecting on deep balls for fun. With their chemistry soaring, you can only imagine how excited they’ll be to put their trust to the test in live-game action. Book it.
Jay Liggins shocks the world
The Eagles are lacking cornerback depth right now and with Ronald Darby unlikely to play, we can expect some second-half heroics from deep down the depth chart. One of the names experiencing his first taste of preseason action will be Jay Liggins.
In his final collegiate year, he was nominated for the Cliff Harris Award. An award handed to the defensive player of the year pooling from all NCAA Division II schools as well as NAIA colleges. In case that wasn’t impressive enough, that pool includes over 5,000 names. It’s not hard to see why, either.
During his career, Liggins competed in 43 games, tallying 151 tackles and three touchdowns. In the first round of the NAIA championship series in 2018 alone, Liggins had four interceptions for 91 yards. He has 13 career picks to his name. That kind of production simply raises eyebrows. And when you partner that with a 6’3, 210 lbs, defensive back, that turned into salivation for a lot of scouts.
After a relatively tame offseason, I’m predicting Liggins will record his first-ever NFL interception and put his name into practice squad contention and beyond.
Miles Sanders scores a touchdown
One of the names people are most excited to see is rookie running back Miles Sanders, and after a stunning showing in front of the Eagles fans at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday, everyone is eagerly awaiting to see what Sanders can do in a live-game situation.
The rookie out of Penn State has already been called ‘the most talented RB on the depth chart’ and while he may not get a huge amount of exposure, I’m predicting Sanders to rush for 60 yards and a touchdown. Setting the bar for what could be a rookie season to remember.
Alex Singleton leads the team in tackles
One of my favorite underdogs on the Eagles roster this offseason is undoubtedly CFL standout Alex Singleton.
After going undrafted in 2015, the 6’2, 232 lbs, linebacker bounced around NFL practice squads before landing in Calgary, wherein three seasons he recorded 311 tackles, 4 sacks, one interception, and forced six fumbles.
Named a CFL All-Star in both of his last two seasons, he was also given the CFL’s ‘Most Outstanding Defensive player’ in 2017, leading the league in tackles one year later.
Kamu Grugier-Hill is injured and Paul Worrilow is still battling knee problems. There will be a huge window of opportunity for the CFL export who has flashed plenty of potential up to this point.
With that in mind, I’m predicting Singleton to lead the Eagles in tackles in his preseason debut.
AAF Tandem
Greg Ward Jr. and Charles Johnson were both poached from the clutches of the folding AAF league this offseason and while Ward Jr. is back for his third rodeo, Johnson has been here before. The duo have both been impressive in Camp so far and currently both sit as third-string receivers, likely meaning they’ll be lining up together tonight.
I’m predicting the All-AAF tandem to combine for 100-receiving yards and at least one touchdown.
What are your bold predictions? Let us know below!
Mandatory Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke
