Eagles best game plan for beating the Bengals isn't rocket science

The Philadelphia Eagles tackle the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday (pun intended). This is one of the more intriguing matchups of the Week 8 slate as Philly has won two straight, and Cincy has won three of their last four games. Something has to give, right?

The Bengals three wins over that stretch were earned against struggling teams: the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns.

Philly's two most recent wins were earned over common opponents. They also beat the G-Men and Cleveland. Their other two wins were earned over what was then a 2-0 New Orleans Saints team and a very good Green Bay Packers team in Week 1 during a trip to Brazil.

The Bengals and Birds have been inconsistent early this season. Either team can win this game. The home team is favored.

Let's look at two obvious areas where Philly will focus their game plan. Proper execution could lift Philadelphia to their third straight win.

Also read: Dissecting Week 8's wide receiver showdown

The Eagles need to put pressure on Joe Burrow.

Cincinnati has won two straight games, but it hasn't been an easy road for their offense. The Giants and Browns' defenses gave them trouble. Both teams, however, were let down by their offenses

Joe Burrow has run for his life behind his offensive line these past two games. He has been sacked seven times. He hasn't had time to survey the field and hasn't been able to air it out.

The Bengals' explosive passing game has stalled in weeks 6 and 7. Burrow hasn't thrown a touchdown in the first half of either game.

The Eagles defense has tallied 12 sacks during Philly's two most recent games. Sure, we're discussing two unimpressive O-lines, those belonging to the Browns and Giants, but that's a good sign that Philadelphia's pass rush has turned the corner.

It's been well-documented that Philly's offense has struggled to score in the opening quarter, so if their defense can get to Burrow, it could keep the game close or help give them a lead if another slow start is coming.

Jalen Carter should be feared by the Bengals' offensive line. The former Georgia Bulldog has three sacks during this two-game winning streak. The plan is simple. Get Burrow to speed up, throw off his timing, and keep applying pressure.

The Eagles need to turn Saquon Barkley loose in this game.

In three of the Eagles' four wins, Saquon Barkley has rushed for over 100 yards. He's enjoying a fantastic season. Over-usage is a concern, but Philly must keep feeding their star tailback.

Philadelphia should pound the rock early and often with Barkley. That will help open up the passing game and lead to easier receptions for A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Another reason why the Birds should run the ball early and often is Cincy has given up the tenth-most rushing yards (953). Running the ball is one of Philly's greatest strengths. Defending the run is the Bengals' biggest weakness. Why not exploit it?

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