The NFL schedule has been out for a little while now and we’ve had some time to collect our thoughts on what lies ahead for the Philadelphia Eagles. Here are the five games I’m personally looking forward to the most in 2021.
Eagles vs Panthers – week 5
It was either this or a matchup against the Cowboys and something about this matchup is giving me more excitement than general fear. Maybe it’s recency bias after seeing what that receiving corps did to Philadelphia back in December and how Andy Dalton put up 377 yards.
I’m excited to see how the new-look Eagles defense react to one of the most explosive running backs in football – Christian McCaffrey. CMC will be retuning to the field after an injury ended his 2020 season and with a speedy receiving group to test the secondary on the back of two very similarly talented opponents when it comes to skill-positions, this may be the ‘third time’s the charm’ game where Gannon is able to harness the potential of his defensive line to stop CMC running wild and put some pressure on Sam Darnold.
The Eagles faced the Panthers in a primetime matchup back in 2017 and the game was a thriller. I’m expecting a matchup just as enticing here.
Eagles vs Washington – week 15
Truth be told, this matchup is terrifying. However, Gannon’s men will be battle-tested by this point and ready for Washington’s wideouts and their rampant pass-rush. Not only that, but there are bound to be playoff implications for one of these two teams and if it is the Eagles, this matchup marks the start of a four-game divisional streak that would surely dictate their fate. It would be imperative to start it with a bang.
Eagles vs Buccaneers – Week 6
Tom Brady vs the Eagles is one thing, but the reigning Super Bowl champs coming to town on national television? Yes please.
Brady may have bested the Eagles last time out, but it’s clear that Nick Foles still lives in his head rent free, and we all remember what happened when Sam Bradford was able to pull off the unthinkable against him in 2015. Expect a fiery performance from one of the best to ever do it with the prospect of yet another Eagles upset. What’s not to like?
Eagles vs Chargers – Week 9
The Chargers are a really fun team to watch and there is of course some history with Nick Sirianni having coached there between 2013 and 2017. He’ll face last year’s Rookie Of The Year in Justin Herbert in a matchup that boasts two lethal pass-rushers and some electric weapons on the other side of the ball. This might not be the most high-profile game of the year, but it’s the one I’m looking forward to most that isn’t a divisional clash.
Eagles @ Giants – week 12
The Eagles throwing week 17 cost the Giants a playoff spot. The Eagles trading up for DeVonta Smith cost them a shiny new wide receiver. For some reason, the New York gain base has been incandescent with rage ever since and the teams’ social media admin doesn’t seem to be a huge Eagles fan either, circling this matchup as their most poignant.
It’s only right that we do the same and re-ignite a rivalry that was once filled with glorious moments and true fire. There used to be a real buzz when playing the Giants and over time, it’s turned into a guaranteed slop-fest with fumbles, trips, turnovers, and shoddy coaching from both teams. Maybe this is the year things turned around and we’re treated to a spectacle.
Which games are you looking forward too the most?
Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire
