Big Chance for the Defense

Posted: September 4th, 2019 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Big Chance for the Defense

The last time the Eagles played the Skins, Jim Schwartz’s defense pitched a shutout. The Eagles only gave up 89 yards that day. It was a glorious showing by the defense.

While I don’t expect a repeat of that, the Eagles defense should have the upper hand on Sunday. Case Keenum is a competent QB, but usually needs a strong supporting cast to be at his best. Based on the Washington depth chart, he won’t have that support.

Yikes.

I talked about Penn yesterday, but didn’t realize Flowers would be starting beside him. Derek Barnett and Malik Jackson should be the two Eagles facing them the most. Give the Eagles the advantage in both of those matchups. That should help Keenum to feel comfortable in his first start for the Skins.

RB Derrius Guice will be playing in his first NFL game. It will be interesting to see if Schwartz blitzes more than usual to force Guice into pass protection. Test the kid, see what he can do.

TE Jordan Reed has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play. Reed can be a playmaker when he is healthy.

I don’t know what to say about the Skins receivers. Their slot guy has nine career catches. They’ll have one rookie starting on the outside. Paul Richardson is the workhorse and key playmaker. He’s never caught more than 44 passes in a season.

There is some talent, but there aren’t any sure things. The Washington coaches and players will be learning on the fly.

The biggest concern for the Eagles should be staying healthy. Fletcher Cox, Derek Barnett, Nigel Bradham and Ronald Darby will be on the field for the first time since last season. Will they all be 100 percent? Will they be rusty at all? If those guys are good to go, the defense should have a good day.

*****

There are multiple good stories out on Carson Wentz.

Jeff McLane

Zach Berman

Can’t wait to see Wentz bounce back and have a great year.

*****

I wrote a piece for PE.com on the most memorable season openers of the past 30 years.

There were some great ones, like the Pickle Juice Game.

These highlights are about as good as it gets.

And then there was 1998. Bobby Hoying had 12 net passing yards.

12.

That season almost destroyed my soul. The Eagles lost games, but also were just miserable to watch. Thank goodness that is in the past.

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