The Eagles are seemingly trending in the right direction after posting back-to-back wins to improve to 4-2 on the season. Philadelphia travels west to visit the Cincinatti Bengals (3-4) a team that got off to a slow start, but is much better than their record indicates. The Eagles have a chance to win three games for the first time since they won three consecutive games against Buffalo, Kansas City and Dallas from Weeks 9-12 of last season.
Here’s a look at five key matchups to watch in this week’s battle against the Bengals.
Saquon Barkley vs. Bengals Rush Defense
As Forrest Gump did, Saquon Barkley just keeps on running. The reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week has been everything and more in his first season with the Eagles. Falling 14 yards shy of setting a new-career watermark with his 176 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 28-3 win against his former team, Barkley sets his eyes on another vulnerable rush defense.
Cincinatti ranks towards the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed, tied for 21st with New England, allowing 136.1 yards per game. Some notable running backs have had their fair share of success against this Bengals defensive unit. Baltimore’s Derrick Henry, the league’s leading rusher, gouged them for 92 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Panthers’ back Chuba Hubbard had a big day in Week 4, racking up 104 yards a touchdown on 18 rushes. Isaiah Pacheco also had nearly hit the century mark, totaling 90 yards on 19 carries.
Barkley is in the top echelon of running backs this season and should be in position to potentially have another huge game for the Eagles.
Fred Johnson vs. Trey Hendrickson
With Jordan Mailata placed on the Injured Reserve, the Eagles will be without their All-Pro left tackle for at least a month. That means Johnson will be expected to protect the blindside of Jalen Hurts for the foreseeable future. Johnson had a rollercoaster game against the Giants, but had a tough test against Brian Burns, one of the top pass rushers in the league. This week, he will be taking on another strong pass rushed in Hendrickson.
The eight-year veteran is currently tied for fourth in the NFL with seven sacks with four of those coming in each of his last two games against the Eagles previous two opponents in the Browns and Giants. Hendrickson has a knack for getting to the quarterback, posting 66.5 career sacks so far in his career. Johnson will need to be more consistent this week and moving forward to not allow talented pass rushers to disrupt a game.
Eagles’ Passing Attack vs. Bengals’ Secondary
The A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts connection has notably been strong over the last two games as the duo has connected on long touchdown plays in both wins (41-yard TD and 45-yard TD) and since Brown’s return from injury, he has paced the Eagles in receiving yards in each game. DeVonta Smith is another weapon the Eagles will need to get involved to give them the best chance to win, but it might be a tougher matchup than some might realize.
The Bengals’ secondary has been tough against opposing quarterbacks, having allowed just 6.4 yards per throw, which is the fourth lowest in the league and tied for sixth in interceptions with six on the season. Hurts only threw for 114 yards in the win against the Giants, but that’s more so because they ran so effectively, and the starters were pulled to close out the game.
Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean vs. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins
This can be an extremely fun matchup between both duos or could be slightly daunting for Eagles’ fans. Two rookies in Mitchell and DeJean, who have shined so far this season against one of the top perimeter threats in Chase and one the best #2 and slot receivers in Higgins.
We mentioned how great Mitchell and DeJean have been for the Eagles and how they’ve been integral in the turnaround on defense. Now the two youngsters will have their toughest test to date.
Chase paces the league with 620 yards on the season and tied for first with his six touchdowns. He and Joe Burrow have been connecting at a high level this season. Higgins also is starting to heat up after missing some time due to injury to start the season. He hauled in four catches for 82 yards and a touchdown against the Browns last week and has racked up 60 or more yards receiving in four straight games with a pair of 80+ yard performances during that stretch. Meanwhile, Burrow has the fourth-best passer rating among qualified starting quarterbacks.
Eagles vs. Bengals in their White Uniforms
This one isn’t an x’s and o’s matchup to watch, but it is interesting to note the Benglas are unbeaten when sporting their all-white uniforms.
The Eagles historically have had a tough time against Cincinatti, with a head-to-head record of 3-9-2 in 14 total meetings. The last time these two teams played was back on September 27, 2020 where the game ended in a 23-23 tie.
The Eagles and Bengals kickoff at Paycor Stadium in Cincinatti on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
