The Dreaded Saturday Eagles Pick

That’s more like it.

Yes, Sam Bradford threw two interceptions in the first half. Both were in the red zone, costing the Eagles points. One was just a horrible throw.

But I like the way Bradford and the Eagles rallied.

Including his pre-game talk, I think maybe Bradford took over this team last weekend.

Bradford was on the money in the second half, having his best day as an Eagle and lead the Birds to a huge 39-17 win over the Saints. It was popular all week to denigrate the Saints. Probably less so after they knocked the Falcons from the ranks of the unbeatens Thursday night.

Now comes a Monday night prime time match vs. NFC East rival New York Giants.

This one is simple. It’s all about the quarterbacks. Bradford needs to play four quarters the way he did in the second half last week. The Birds’ defense needs to step up and put the heat on Giants QB Eli Manning, who is quietly having a very good year. But Manning is a different guy when he has time to sit back and pick out his receiver, as opposed to when he’s being hit. That’s when he turns into a turnover machine. That is Billy Davis’ mission this week, get constant pressure on Manning.

This is a battle for first place in the NFC Least, with the Giants sitting alone at 3-2, while the Birds are trying to recover from a rough start, sitting at 2-3.

I have been a Bradford backer since Chip Kelly made the move to swap Nick Foles (4 INTs last week) and a 2nd round draft pick to get him.

This is the week Bradford shines on a national stage.

I say he’s ready for prime time.

The Pick: Make it Eagles 27, Giants 16. Manning’s receivers are banged up, and I think the Eagles will pressure him into a couple of key turnovers. The Giants also will be without starting corner Prince Amukamara, nursing a chest bruise. The Eagles receivers, who have yet to show they can get open consistently - and hold on to the ball when Bradford puts it on their hands - need to stop up.

Last Week: Best showing on both sides of the ball for the Eagles. Bradford looks more comfortable with every outing, and is quietly assuming command of this team. The Eagles defense made it a very long afternoon for Drew Brees. Now they need to do the same to Eli Manning.

Season Record: Yes, 2-3 sounds a lot better than 1-4. The Eagles won to scratch their way to just one game out of first, with the Giants standing in their way. I liked them last week, and I like them to win Monday night as well. I’m also sitting at 2-3.

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)

Redskins 23, Eagles 20. (My Pick: Eagles 26, Redskins 13)

Eagles 39, Saints 17. (My Pick: Eagles 23, Saints 13)

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