The Eagles decided to flip the tables last week. After consistently falling behind in the first four weeks of the season, the Birds tried a different tack against the Rams. They raced out to a big 34-7 lead, giving every indication that they were going to blow out the lowly Rams.
Not exactly.
The Eagles did everything in their power to give the game away, holding on by their fingernails as Austin Davis rallied the Rams and had the ball with a chance to win twice in the last two minutes.
If not for the continued sterling special teams and an opportunistic defense, Chip Kelly would be explaining one of the team’s all-time El Foldo’s.
Chip Kelly’s offense has yet to really get untracked, in no small part because Nick Foles continues his erratic play. LeSean McCoy was better against the Rams. Better, not great. This team - in particular Foles - needs him to be great.
This week brings a hated NFC East rival to town, those trash-talking New York Giants.
The Giants have won three in a row after playing some truly lousy football in the first two weeks. Eli Manning looks like he’s finally grasping a new offense.
The problem for the Birds in a prime-time Sunday night matchup is going to be how to stop the Giants. The Eagles defense will be undermanned again, without Mychal Kendricks and likely Demeco Ryans as well.
If the defense can’t get off the field, the Eagles just might need more special teams fireworks to keep up with the New Yorkers.
Expect a lot of points to be scored in this one. The Eagles will be able to field the same offensive line for the second week in a row, but I don’t think it will be enough.
The Pick: Make it Giants 31, Eagles 26. Another sub-standard day from Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy will raise even more questions about the Birds’ struggles. Should be an interesting post-game.
Season Record: The Eagles held on by the skin of their teeth to go 4-1. Maybe we should all revert to what one-time Giants head coach Bill Parcells always used to say: You are what you’re record says you are. Both the Birds and I are sporting 4-1 marks. We will part ways again Sunday night.
Game by Game: Eagles 34, Rams 28 (My Pick: Eagles 35, Rams 19)
49ers 26, Eagles 21 (My Pick: 49ers 33, Eagles 29)
Eagles 34, Jaguars 17 (My Pick: Eagles 31, Jags 16)
Eagles 30, Colts 27 (My Pick: Colts 29, Eagles 23)
Eagles 37, Redskins 34 (My Pick: Eagles 24, Redskins 23)
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