Is it just me or does it seem like it's been about a month since the Eagles played?
That's what happens when you hit the national limelight on a Thursday night matchup. A lot has happened since the Birds' most impressive win in the last couple of years as they tamed Cam Newton and the Panthers in front of a national audience.
People noticed. The Birds vaulted to the top of the Associated Press Power 32 NFL Rankings. That's right, we're No. 1.
Then Andy Reid and the Chiefs coughed up a fourth quarter lead Thursday night against the Raiders. That means the Eagles, at 5-1, sport the best record in the NFL.
The Birds won't hit the field again until Monday night, when they are back on national TV for a Monday night NFC East clash against the Redskins at the Linc.
Doug Pederson and the Eagles knocked off the Redskins on opening day, 30-17. Since then Kirk Cousins and Washington have rebounded to post a 3-2 mark.
This game should come down to Cousins vs. the Eagles defense. If Fletcher Cox and pals can harass Cousins into making mistakes - read turnovers - they should prevail, especially in front of what will no doubt be a raucous home crowd.
Of offense, right tackle Lane Johnson will be back after missing the last game with a concussion. That's a good thing. Because it will be his job to neutralize Redskins' tackle Ryan Kerrigan, who usually makes life miserable for Eagles QBs. On opening day he picked off a batted Carson Wentz pass and took it to the house for a Pick-Six. He also is usually in Wentz's face with a constant package of blitzes.
Once again, it will be interesting to see if Pederson will stick to his new balanced offense, feeding LeGarrette Blount. On opening day, Wentz again dropped back to pass way too many times.
THE PICK: Make it Eagles 31, Redskins 19. Look for Carson Wentz to dazzle again, using his escapability to improvise and make big plays. I know this is going to sound bizarre, but I also like the idea of Doug Pederson now having some extra time to prepare for a game. Look for a very innovative game plan from the Birds' head man.
LAST WEEK: One week after a dominating performance against the Cardinals, the Eagles went on the road on a short week and took down Cam Newton and the Panthers. Easily the most impressive win of the Doug Pederson Era. The victory put the Birds among the NFL's elite with a 5-1 mark. I misfired again and now have fallen a game behind the Birds at 4-2.
GAME BY GAME: Chiefs 27, Eagles 20. (My Pick: Chiefs 33, Eagles 17)
Eagles 30, Redskins 17. (My Pick: Eagles 26, Redskins 13)
Eagles 27, Giants 24. (My Pick: Eagles 23, Giants 17)
Eagles 26, Chargers 24. (My Pick: Chargers 27, Eagles 17)
Eagles 34, Cardinals 7. (My Pick: Eagles 29, Cardinals 24)
Eagles 28, Panthers 23. (My Pick: Panthers 26, Eagles 17)
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