This Sunday could be lonely in Philadelphia. Not as lonely as Urban Meyer, but still pretty lonely.
This game might not happen.
As of Friday, Washington has 21 players stuck in COVID protocol but, strap in because we’re writing about it anyway. The battle for second place in the NFC East must proceed.
Without further adieu, here are three things to watch this Sunday, other than the new Spiderman movie, that’ll aid and abet the Philadelphia Eagles‘ climb to mediocrity.
Three Things to Guarantee a .500 Eagles Record
Philadelphia Always Falls in Love With the Back-Up so Stop Fighting It
Sunday’s match-up welcomes some fair weather with estimates in the high 30’s, low 40’s including gusts that the National Weather Service claims may move ‘small branches.’
Well, this is where the Eagles season branches itself. We could soon live in a world in which Spiderman’s the number one movie in the world, and Gardner Minshew’s the Eagles starting quarterback.
Not unlike Marvel’s Multiverse, there are an untold number of timelines, and they don’t all include Jalen Hurts.
Minshew made a strong case, albeit against New York Jets’ 27th ranked passing defense, in Week 13th, so I would suggest you ride the hot hand.
Over the last three games, Washington’s passing defense ranks 20th in the NFL, allowing 222.7 YPG. If I may pour a little more salt in the wound, they’ve also allowed the third-most first downs through the air in 2021.
Minshew undoubtedly makes this team incrementally more dynamic through the air so let’s try it out.
It’s easy to fall in love with Tom Holland, but sometimes you need a little Tobey Maguire. Let’s see what Minshew can do.
Hit the Over
You can score on Washington’s defense. They’re malleable.
According to ProFootballReference.com, 43.1% of The Football Team’s defensive series end with the opposing team scoring. That’s 6th worst in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have been surprisingly efficient in that category. Whether their record reflects it or not, they’re scoring on 42.1% of their offensive possessions, which would be the 10th best in the NFL.
I believe an early aerial attack can expose this Washington defense. The WFT only forces a quarterback hurry on 9% of all snaps. Whichever quarterback’s dropping back for Philadelphia, they should have time.
Score points and hit the over. I’ll be rich, and the Eagles will be 7-7.
Force a Turnover, Please
Washington’s had a bit of a problem holding onto the football. Here’s one.
For all their plucky explosiveness, they’ve averaged 1.62 turnovers per game, and it could be much worse.
Washington has fumbled 20 total times through thirteen games, losing just nine. That’s fantastic luck but maybe invest in some Stickum.
The Eagles have had their trouble with defensive takeaways. With just four forced fumbles and nine interceptions on the year, the Eagles defense ranks 26th in the league in forced turnovers.
If Spiderman’s taught us anything, it’s that you need to protect your neighborhood.
If Philadelphia’s ever going to make something happen, this is the team, and this is the home game.
Prediction:
It’s never easy in this division.
Taylor Heinicke never goes away despite an admirable offensive performance by (insert Eagles quarterback here).
Ultimately Jake Elliot leads the charge, in light of the aforementioned favorable conditions, and tips the scales as the Eagles continue their bid for the final NFC Wildcard slot.
Eagles – 29 Football Team – 27
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
