The Eagles are a few hours away from a primetime clash with their most bitter rival. The stakes are high, the division is on the line and adrenaline is pumping. But what can we expect from today’s game? It’s time to look into the crystal ball and bring you five bold predictions.
Record so far: 8-30
Staring in the face of adversity
It’s been a stressful week for Carson Wentz. After a heartbreaking loss to the Vikings, Wentz was confusingly criticized in the media by an ‘anonymous’ player. Now, Wentz flies into Jerry World with the NFC East up for grabs and his character called into question for the second time in 12 months.
It’s a sink or swim game for Wentz. Will he rise above the ridiculous claims, or maybe try to change his game in response? The answer, to me at least, is obvious.
My first prediction is that Wentz will rise above the noise in a statement game, throwing for 300 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 INT, guiding the Eagles to a much-needed win.
#DillyDillard
Andre Dillard’s first NFL start is upon us and it comes off the back of a stint where he relieved Jason Peters against the Vikings. That’s hardly the easiest ‘debut’ in the world, but Dallas won’t be massively easier. We’ve seen the first starts of offensive linemen in the past either go really well, or really bad. The Eagles will be calling on their first-round pick to keep the Cowboys’ pass rush quiet…and I think the Wazzu product will respond.
My second bold prediction is for Dillard to hold his own, allowing 0 sacks in his first professional start.
The Green Goblin returns
The return of CB Jalen Mills couldn’t come at a better time for the Eagles. He may not be levels above those who have stood in for him, but he at least brings some intensity and swagger to a cornerback position that feels devoid of any of that.
Mills isn’t consistent, but he plays with heart…and if he can stay on the field and show that he’s fully recovered from the foot injury he sustained almost a year ago, I think he’ll shine with a chip on his shoulder.
Thirdly, I predict that Mills will pick off a pass and bat down a further two, while rallying to 6+ tackles.
It’s game time!
Arcega-Whiteside has been borderline invisible this year outside of that heartbreaking dropped pass a few weeks ago. But the Eagles are still without DeSean Jackson and receiving production has been wildly inconsistent in his absence.
The Cowboys secondary is vulnerable and this may be the game that the team opt to go with their second-round selection over Mack Hollins, especially after ‘cross-training’ over the last few weeks.
With that in mind, I predict that JJAW will catch his first NFL touchdown and put up 50 receiving yards.
Keeping the record clean
Nine games, zero sacks. DeMarcus Lawrence can talk about Doug Pederson all he wants…I don’t think the world will hear his cries from Lane Johnson’s back pocket. To put it bluntly, there’s more at stake than just production now and Johnson will again be tasked with stopping a premier pass-rusher who has 2.5 sacks on the year.
The last prediction is simple. Keep. The. Slate. Clean.
What are your bold predictions? Let us know in the comments below!
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
