The Dreaded Saturday Eagles Pick

Welcome back, DeSean. Thanks for some great memories. Now prepare for a beating.

Much of the talk this week has focused on the return of the one-time Eagles wideout and his banged-up shoulder. In reality, he’s now what the Birds should be worried about. They should be focusing on the Redskins’ battering ram running back Aldred Morris. He’s exactly the kind of back the gives Billy Davis’ defense fits. With fleet QB Robert Griffin III on the shelf again with a bum ankle, Washington will be directed by Kirk Cousins, which should translate into a huge helping of Morris.

Not helping matters will be the likely absence of stalwart inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who has not practiced this week as he nurses a sore calf. That will leave a huge hole likely to be exploited by Cousins and the ‘Skins.

On the other side of the ball, this will be a big test for Nick Foles and the Eagles’ reconstructed offensive line.

The Washington defense is stout, and specializes in putting pressure on the quarterback. The Birds should not count on another second-half miracle, a quicker start is essential. The idea is get up on the Redskins, taking the game out of Morris’ hands and putting it on Cousins’ art. Make him throw early and often, DeSean or no DeSean.

I see this one as typical NFC East nailbiter. Can you say Cody Parkey to the rescue.

The Pick: Make it Eagles 24, Redskins 23. Another crucial kick by Parkey as time expires lifts the Birds to 3-0.

Last Week: The Eagles must have been trotting into the locker room at halftime in Indy licking their chops. “We got ‘em right wear we want ‘em.” They exploded again in the second half to overtake the Colts in a 30-27 thriller.

Season Record: The Eagles have now overcome two straight double-digit deficits in the second half to come storming out of the gates at 2-0. I suffered a hiccup that looked like it was going to be on the money in the first half. I was not expecting the Birds to be able to rally, and for Andrew Luck to be outplayed in the second half by Nick Foles. I’m idling at 1-1.

Game by Game: Eagles 34, Jaguars 17 (My Pick: Eagles 31, Jags 16)

Eagles 30, Colts 27 (My Pick: Colts 29, Eagles 23)

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