Remind me to never again believe anything that happens in the preseason.
The talk of the preseason after averaging more than 33 points per game in their four contests, the Eagles were widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top teams heading into the 2015 season. In fact, experts such as Adam Schefter and Joe Banner picked them to win the Super Bowl.
Safe to say, those predictions have no chance of happening if the Eagles don’t start playing like an actual NFL team. Their road contest against the New York Jets in Week 3 is a good time to start, as the Eagles are staring at an 0-3 start that would knock their playoff chances down to extremely minimal.
Below are five predictions I made for what is shaping up to truly be a do-or-die game for Chip Kelly’s Eagles.
1 – Sam Bradford throws multiple interceptions… again.
It’s safe to say the Sam Bradford era hasn’t exactly started the way Philadelphia fans hoped it would. The former number one overall pick has tossed a pair of interceptions in each of the first two games of the season.
If Sam Bradford throws two INTs Sunday, he'll be first Eagles QB with multiple INTs in 3 straight games since Jaws last three weeks of 1985.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) September 24, 2015
I’m predicting that streak to continue against a dominant Jets’ defense that features Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and blitz-friendly head coach Todd Bowles.
2 – Yet another disappointing game for DeMarco Murray.
There’s not a lot of reason for optimism when it comes to new Eagles running back DeMarco Murray. No, the offensive line hasn’t helped one bit, but allow me to be the only guy who’s also willing to point the finger at last year’s rushing champion. While DeMarco Murray is getting hit in the backfield every time he carries the ball, he’s not breaking any tackles either. He’s averaging just 0.8 yards after contact, last of every running back in the league with at least 10 carries, per Pro Football Focus. With Murray currently nursing a hamstring injury, there’s little reason to believe Murray plays well. I think the Eagles will limit his carries, and I’ll be surprised if he collects more than 35 rushing yards.
3 – Eagles win the battle of the trenches.
There was no plausible explanation for the Eagles getting dominated in the trenches, on both sides of the ball, against Atlanta in Week 1. But it happened, and it’s probably the biggest reason why the Eagles dropped a disappointing 26-24 season opener. On paper, the Jets’ defensive line, consisting of Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and prized rookie Leonard Williams, should maul the Eagles’ underachieving offensive line. However, I think this is the game the Eagles get their act together, particularly the disappointing combination of Jason Peters and Jason Kelce. Sam Bradford has only been sacked once this season. I think that number stays the same after this week. And on defense, I think pass-rushers Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry finally experience some success against a mediocre Jets’ offensive line.
4 – Defense comes to play for the second straight week.
It’s a shame the Eagles’ defense hasn’t received much credit for the way they played last week. To call them dominant really isn’t much of an understatement. Despite spending 40:30 on the field, they allowed just 13 points. They collected a pair of fumble recoveries and three sacks, including one that knocked Tony Romo out of the game. Their goal-line stand when Dallas had first down from the one-yard line could have affected the outcome of the contest had the Eagles’ offense not been so anemic. I’m expecting another strong showing from the defense. After all, the Jets really don’t have any offensive playmakers other than 31-year-old wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick is just a backup, and top running back Chris Ivory and number two wide receiver Eric Decker are both expected to be game-time decisions. Defensive coordinator Billy Davis has drawn his fair share of criticism, and deservedly so, but his units have always had a knack for creating turnovers. I think they force a couple tomorrow to change the dynamics of this game.
5 – Eagles find a way to win, keeping their season alive.
I picked the Eagles to lose all week until yesterday. I just think this team, with their backs up against a wall and the season ultimately on the line, finds a way to make enough plays and pull out a minor upset in New York. The Jets have a tremendous defense, and the combination of Revis and Bowles has undoubtedly kept Chip Kelly up at night. But the Eagles just can’t keep playing this poorly on offense. They’ve been historically bad. Kelly is too good of an offensive coach. He’s never failed as a head coach at any level. Facing as much adversity as he’s ever seen, I think he rallies his team to a 1-2 record heading into a crucial Week 4 showdown against the Washington Redskins.
Score: Eagles 23, Jets 17
