It’s here. We’re just a few hours away from an unlikely Eagles’ playoff game against the Seahawks. For the first time this postseason, it’s time to make five bold predictions ahead of the matchup.
Record so far: 29-70
Sack City
The Eagles may have lost the pair’s week 12 encounter, but they did amass 11 QB hits and 6 sacks. Since then, the Seahawks offensive line has struggled (shock) and could be without two major cogs on Sunday afternoon.
Starting LG Mike Iupati is a gameday decision and starting LT Duane Brown has been down for a couple of weeks now. This has to leave Brandon Graham and company salivating at the idea of harassing Russell Willson by sealing the edge and allowing Fletcher Cox a chance at getting to him.
Schwartz is likely going to be calculated here, but the last time they played, we saw a great game from Nigel Bradham who was used as a dummy-blitzer over-and-over again. I’m predicting that the Eagles will hit Wilson a further ten times and sack him 5 in front of a roaring Lincoln Financial Field.
Is this really even bold?
Carson Wentz has come alive in the lights over recent weeks, dragging the remains of a flailing Eagles offense over the line. Practice squad promotees have shined thanks to Wentz putting the team on his back and flourishing in a scheme that’s suddenly built around his strengths: playing outside the pocket and forcing defenses to respect his ability to make magic happen from just about anywhere.
This is his first-ever playoff game, but the last month of matchups have carried heavy implications and Wentz has faced nothing but high-pressure situations in that span. He’s ready for this.
I’m going to predict Wentz throwing for 300+ yards, 3 TD, 0 INT.
The Captain’s ship
Would it be a bold predictions article without an appearance from Captain Cre’Von? After his breakout last week, LeBlanc returns to the playoffs with the chance to spring a few more surprises. We all remember his iconic interception of Drew Brees in the second round of the playoffs last year, but LeBlanc is already red-hot and has a chance to give the Seahawks the strap.
Thirdly, I’m predicting LeBlanc picks off Wilson and rallies to another 6+ tackles.
Sanders steals the show
By now, we all know just how amazing Miles Sanders has been over the last month or so. The rookie has smashed records and achieved things that very few running backs around the league have done. Making things even more worrisome for the Seahawks is the fact that over the last three weeks, they’ve given up more rushing yards than 29 other teams in the NFL. Big yikes.
If Sanders is able to resume his usual workload, we could expect another big outing, especially if Howard is healthy enough to take the weight off his shoulders.
Penultimately, I predict that Sanders will score his first-ever postseason touchdown along with 100+ rushing yards and 50+ receiving yards.
An unlikely hero
Playoffs are a place for winners. When everything is on the line, it often comes down to who wants it more. Ability, potential, prowess, technique, often go out the window in the biggest of moments. This is why I think this game will come down to some absolute madness late in the fourth quarter. The man at the center of it all? Nate Gerry. That’s right.
A linebacker who has drawn plenty of criticism this year, will force/recover a fumble late in the game and secure a win for the Eagles.
What are your bold predictions? Let us know below!
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
