It’s gameday! Here are five bold predictions ahead of the Eagles’ important week 11 clash with the Seahawks.
Record so far: 14-45
#DIllyDillard
The Eagles have been working Andre Dillard at RT this week due to the absence of Lane Johnson. This is a move that will bring long-term benefits to the rookie, but at the expense of short-term struggle given that he’s never played on the right side before. However, with Jadeveon Clowney not playing, the Eagles have a lifeline.
With this in mind, Poona Ford or LJ Collier will likely be the players he’s matched up against most, and while still dangerous, they’re not Clowney. I’m predicting Dillard to allow 0 sacks in this game as he continues to stun people in his first season.
GregWardSZN
The Eagles were without Alshon Jeffery last week and now they enter a game against Seattle without Alshon or Nelson Agholor. Greg Ward Jr has been called up from the practice squad in his place, but the Eagles WR corps is definitely in need of an injection.
Enter Ward Jr. who spent three offseasons trying to make the team, squeezing in an AAF run in between. He knows the offense like the back of his hand by now and should be able to hit the ground running in the slot.
I’m predicting Ward Jr. to record his first three NFL receptions for a total of 30+ yards.
Win.
Favorites in Vegas? Maybe this is a let-down spot after all. The Eagles are shorthanded on offense and coming off a loss, while a well-rested Seattle team are coming off a bye and have an 8-2 record.
If there’s ever a time for the underdog masks to come out, it’s now. This prediction needs no explanation. But they’ve been here before…can they do it again?
Even Darby has his day
Tyler Lockett is no easy matchup and neither is behemoth D.K Metcalf. Lockett’s 793 yards and 6 touchdowns are impressive, but the Eagles secondary has been improving recently. Ronald Darby is by far the Eagles’ quickest cornerback and if there’s anyone on this team who can blanket him out of a game, it’s Darby.
Coming towards the end of a bumpy contract year, Darby has to shine here…and I think holding Lockett to 50 yards and 0 touchdowns would be a good way to do so, don’t you?
Winning the battle in the trenches
Chris Carson has 853 yards to his name this season and we don’t even need to mention the threat of Russell Wilson here. Seattle have terrorized the Eagles in recent memory, but the run defense has remained stout, especially in the last few weeks.
If the Eagles can hold Carson to under 50 yards, they have a real shot at forcing Wilson into longer progressions and giving the rest of the defense a chance. It’s a tough prediction given Carson’s production this year, but it’s one that has to happen to give their offense even a shot at staying in the game.
Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
