Philadelphia Eagles Week 11 Staff Predictions
By Todd Duvall
Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly runs off the field after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Panthers, 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Takacs, Staff Writer
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez gets his first start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Coming off a win against the Carolina Panthers, the Birds face a much tougher test in all phases of the game. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is among the best in the NFL, getting rid of the ball quickly to his receivers, and letting them go to work. With the Eagles suspect secondary, all eyes will be on the defensive front to generate consistent pressure against Rodgers. If they can make his life miserable in the pocket, the Eagles have a chance. They simply cannot give up big plays, and must keep everything in front of them on the field.
On the offensive side of the ball, head coach Chip Kelly must balance a strong running attack with the play-action passing game to take advantage of holes in Green Bay’s secondary. With the temperatures at Lambeau Field expected to be cold as usual, relying on running backs Lesean McCoy, Darren Sproles, and Chris Polk could be the magic formula for victory. Sanchez has the tools and the weapons for a passing game to keep the opposing defense honest. The Birds must strike quickly and often throughout the game. It will take a complete game, as the Eagles have shown that can do at times throughout this season.
When all is said and done, the game may ultimately rest on the leg of kicker Cody Parkey as the clock expires. Aside from securing the win, the Eagles must do everything they can to avoid any more critical injuries.
Eagles 27, Packers 24
Jacob Brooks, Staff Writer
The Eagles have a tough game this week. Aaron Rodgers is playing at a very high level right now, but fortunately for the Eagles, the Packers defense is struggling.
I think the Eagles get the running game going early, that takes some pressure off of Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez and allows him to have another efficient game this week.
Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews finds the endzone again and solidifies himself as Sanchez’s favorite target. The Eagles defense continues the upward trend, getting pressure on Rodgers all game long. While they give up some points, they still get the job done.