We survived the Pope. Now we have to tangle with Joaquin.
Actually, the Eagles are facing the Redskins, and the game is on after Joaquin decided he wanted to go out to se as opposed to slamming into the East Coast. So the game is on for 1 o’clock at Fed Ex Field.
Regardless what path the storm takes, the weather will be key to this game. And that’s why I like the Eagles.
It’s not because Sam Bradford is playing lights out. The fact is, despite a win over the Jets last week, Sam still appears to be a bit of a sham and the Birds’ offense is dinking and dunking, spitting and sputtering like one of my old cars.
The Eagles nearly non-existent passing game is not likely to be resurrected in a quagmire in D.C. But with DeMarco Murray back and putting the three-headed monster back in the Birds’ ground game, I think that should be enough for a win. Even bigger is the other side of the ball, where they Eagles stout front seven on defense should be able to smother the Redskins.
In a clash of 1-2 not-exactly titans, I still like the Eagles to right the ship at 2-2. One reason not to downplay this game. It’s both a divisional game against an opponent that also sports a 1-2 mark.
One thing the Eagles will need to do in this game is put together two decent halves. After a strong first half in North Jersey last week, the Birds went into the fetal position in the second half, barely holding on for the win. The offense barely made it across midfield and specialized in the three-and-out in the second half. Part of that stems from Bradford’s struggles, and he didn’t get much help from his receivers, who would have trouble catching a cold.
The Pick: Make it Eagles 26, Redskins 13. The Eagles literally will grind this one out on the ground. The stars of this game likely will be the offensive lines. Whichever won controls the line of scrimmage will likely win the game. I like the Birds.
Last Week: Not one you want to save on your DVR. But it was essential for the Eagles to get off the ‘schneid’ after an “oh-and-2” start. With DeMarco Murray on the sidelines with a bum hamstring, Ryan Mathews took the rock and got the ground game going. It will be interesting to see how Kelly utilizes his backs this week after Mathews’ strong performance vs. the Jets.
Season Record: We both desperately needed a win. The Birds played a decent first half, then held on for dear life. That makes them 1-2. I sport an identical record.
Game by Game: Cowboys 20, Eagles 10 (My Pick: Eagles 31, Cowboys 26.
Falcons 26, Eagles 24. (My Pick: Eagles 37, Falcons 26)
Eagles 24, Jets 17. (My Pick: Eagles 27, Jets 23)
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