2014 NFL Schedule Released: Predicting The Eagles’ Season
Eagles TE Zach Ertz (86) reaches over Vikings S Andrew Sendejo (34) to bring in the ball for a touchdown. Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
WEEK 8: Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals, Sunday 10/26
The Cardinals somehow are always on the Eagles schedule. The worst thing about them is that they find a way to win most of the times. However, they lost in 2013 and they believe the officials are to blame for that. The Eagles have a whole week to rest and gameplan for this game, so I expect a very close contest. Tough game to predict, but my guess is that Arizona leaves the field victorious.
LOSS
WEEK 9: Philadelphia Eagles @ Houston Texans, Sunday 11/2
The Texans were the worst team of the NFL in 2013, but this is going to change in 2014. Playing with a chip on their shoulder, they will be one of the hardest-to-beat teams this season. Having a rookie quarterback can be a problem, but this is a very talented team and new coach Bill O’Brien brings a new philosophy with him. This is another close game that the Eagles will most likely lose.
LOSS
WEEK 10: Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles, Monday 11/10
With a 4-4 record, the Eagles need to put together a winning streak to make a push for the NFC East title. The home game against the Panthers is the opportunity they’ve been waiting. Carolina was one of the best teams in 2013, but they lost a lot of good players this offseason. The Eagles are a better team and playing in front of their home crowd gives them a big advantage.
WIN
WEEK 11: Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers, Sunday 11/16
Unfortunately for the Eagles, Aaron Rodgers will probably be Green Bay’s starter in this game. I predict a shootout in this one, with Green Bay winning it due to a better offensive performance.
LOSS
WEEK 12: Tennessee Titans @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 11/23
The Titans have been a mediocre team the last few years, but it looks like 2014 might be the beginning of something greater. Still, it is too early for them to be real contenders and the Eagles need this win much more than Ken Whisenhunt’s guys.
WIN
WEEK 13: Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys, Sunday 11/30
Philadelphia doesn’t play Dallas until Week 13. With the division on the line, this matchup is one of the greatest. The Eagles split games with the Cowboys in 2013 and I expect the same to happen this year. Tony Romo and Co. win the first of the two encounters.
LOSS
WEEK 14: Seattle Seahawks @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 12/7
After 12 games, the Eagles’ record stands at 6-6. The defending Super Bowl champions are coming to town and this game will be very important for both teams. The Seahawks have a fearsome defense, but honestly, I don’t see anything special in their offense. The Eagles will be more motivated and in bigger need of a win, so I’ll go with them.
WIN
WEEK 15: Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 12/14
It’s Cowboys’ turn to visit Philadelphia and to taste defeat. In front of a loud home crowd, Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy tear the Dallas’ defense apart and make sure the Eagles won’t have a losing season for the second time in a row.
WIN
WEEK 16: Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins, Saturday 12/20
I expect the Redskins and the Eagles to fight for the NFC East this year, so this game is probably the most important of the regular season for both teams. DeSean Jackson will disappear in this one and will be a non-factor, while everyone is watching for him to win the game for Washington.
WIN
WEEK 17: Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants, Sunday 12/28
The Eagles come into this game on a three-game winning streak and looking for a win to clinch the NFC East title. They come close to spilling the milk, but the defense makes a stand when it matters most and Kelly calls consecutive run plays to kill the remaining time.
WIN
So the Eagles go through hell in 2014, but in the end they manage to get a good streak and win the division. I believe this will be a much tougher year for Philadelphia. The league had a whole offseason to study Kelly’s game extensively and I expect most teams to have more answers. Despite that, if the Eagles manage to improve even more in 2014, they will be a tough matchup for anyone.
As for the playoffs? I’m guessing they draw Arizona in the NFC Wildcard round.