Philadelphia Eagles: 10 Washington players who can wreck Week 1
58. . . . DT Matt Ioannidis. 8. player
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line must be stout versus Washington’s pass rush.
The Eagles offensive line isn’t in great shape heading into Week 1. Left tackle Andre Dillard and right guard Brandon Brooks suffered season-ending injuries. Lane Johnson missed much of camp but returned to Eagles practice this week. It’s too early to tell whether or not he’s one-hundred percent though as Eagles coaches scramble to try and find the right offensive line combination.
It’s doubtful that Washington will be sympathetic and take it easy on Philadelphia’s O-line. Matt Ioannidis had 8.5 sacks in 16 games last season. One of those came at Lincoln Financial Field in the season opener. If he’s matched up one-one with anyone, the fifth-year defensive tackle could get notch one or two more in the Eagles’ upcoming matchup.
player. 58. . . . OLB Ryan Kerrigan. 7
Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan didn’t record any sacks versus the Eagles in Week 1 last season (a surprise). He missed the second game between these two NFC East rivals in Week 15. That doesn’t mean the Birds should take Kerrigan lightly though. After all, they have faced the Purdue alumnus plenty of times since he joined the league in 2011 and should know what to expect.
Even if Kerrigan isn’t as great as he once was, the ‘Birds’ are in for a long day if they don’t account for him. He may get his opportunities if the Eagles rely heavily on trying to limit Montez Sweat and rookie Chase Young. Last season was the first in which Kerrigan missed any games. There doesn’t seem to be any lingering issues, so he will be available this upcoming Sunday. Keep an eye on him.