The Eagles are just a few hours away from facing the New York Giants under the Thursday Night Lights, which means it’s time to make some bold predictions!
All along the Hightower
John Hightower has been a real heartbreaker this year in the best kind of way. He’s become the ultimate hard-to-get receiver. In fact, the rookie is actually leading the league in ‘target air yards’, meaning he’s being targeted deeper (on average) than any receiver in the NFL. The bad news is that he ranks dead last in drops. Ah.
With DeSean Jackson back, the fifth-round pick may see a reduced role, but a 52-yard grab last week may have done wonders for his confidence. All it takes is one snap of being rotated in for the explosion to happen, and I feel like it’ll take place tonight.
My first prediction is for John Hightower to record his maiden NFL touchdown on a deep bomb from Carson Wentz. 12th time lucky, right?
Enjoy your Slay day, Eagles fans
Darius Slay has been everything fans hoped he would be and then some, but that elusive first interception continues to pass him by. Daniel Jones has thrown a pick in all but one game this season, opening up the doors for Slay to thrive.
The Giants O-line is poor and should be pray for a rampant Eagles pass-rush. Daniel Jones has been under pressure more than any other QB in the league and my second bold prediction is that one errant pass lands in the hands of Darius Slay.
Boston TD Party
It feels like only yesterday that Boston Scott became the first running back to score a hat-trick of rushing touchdowns since LeSean McCoy pulled it off in 2011, spinning his way through the Giants defense. Without Miles Sanders in the fold, a previously struggling Scott faces a team that he’s thrived against on two occasions.
My third prediction is that Boston Scott adds another two touchdowns to his tally and combines for over 80 total scrimmage yards.
Wentz makes a statement
Carson Wentz has been picking up steam in recent weeks and has done so against two of the NFL’s top defenses. He’ll face an easier task against the Giants and with the faith in Fulgham guiding him, the potential for a big night under the primetime lights is on the cards.
Wentz hasn’t been brilliant this season, but he’s flashed that scintillating form we have all come to know and love constantly, more so than ever in the last two weeks despite playing behind a leaky offensive front in an offense void of true playmakers.
These, for whatever reason, seem to be the nights that Wentz comes alive and I don’t see that changing here. Penultimately, I predict that Wentz throws 3TD, 300+ yards, and 0 INT against a Giants defense that’s good against the run, but is allowing an average passer rating of 100.8.
An unlikely Eagles hero
Malik Jackson has easily been the team’s brightest player at DT this season, outshining Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave. The Eagles will be without him tonight, carving an opportunity for Hassan Ridgeway, who has played in just 130 snaps this season as a DT4.
Ridgeway really stood out last year when the DT depth chart was suffocated by injuries. Before picking up an injury of his own, he notched 2 sacks, 4 QB hits, and 4 tackles for a loss last season.
With a slightly elevated role against an atrocious offensive front, I’m predicting that Ridgeway balls out and records 2 sacks and 1 TFL.
What are your predictions? Why not let us know in our Eagles group chat! Click the link below to join!
https://flick.group/psneaglesnation
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
