Philadelphia Eagles Week 11 Staff Predictions
By Todd Duvall
Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Buecher, Staff Writer
After defeating the Green Bay Packers last year without their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, this game will certainly have a different tone to it. After telling Green Bay fans to “R-E-L-A-X” following a 7-19 loss to their division rival the Detroit Lions in Week 3, Rodgers has thrown for 20 touchdowns and only two interceptions. The Philadelphia Eagles defense will now face a red-hot Rodgers coming off a game where he just threw six touchdown in the first half alone. Rodgers has weapons aplenty at the receiver position and will provide a tough task for Philadelphia’s corners to provide tight coverage. Successfully jamming the wide receivers at the line of scrimmage in order to give the pass rush time to hit home is essential. The Eagles’ pass rush needs to continue the success it had against the Panthers where they picked up nine sacks in order to slow down this efficient offense.
The Eagles continue to struggle running the ball with any consistency, but they face a defense giving up the third most yards on the ground. I’d anticipate head coach Chip Kelly turning back to the run as the visiting Eagles try to sustain longer drives in a game where temperatures are expected to be around 30 F with consistent winds. As the offensive line returns to it’s 2013 form, expect the running game to play a big factor in this game that could feature all three of Philadelphia’s backs at certain points. Quarterback Mark Sanchez will have more of a challenge against the Packers, but if the Eagles can get the run game going and allow Mark Sanchez to work off the play-action he could have some sustained success.
R-E-L-A-X Philadelphia, you got this.
Eagles 31, Packers 24
Blaine Grisak, Staff Writer
This will arguably be the Eagles’ toughest competition to date. The Packers are one of the toughest teams in the NFL and are even tougher to beat at Lambeau Field. If the front seven of Philadelphia can contain Aaron Rogers and the secondary can cover Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, the Birds will have a chance. Even with Mark Sanchez playing well, I don’t see the Eagles coming out on top of this one on the road.