WEEK IN REVIEW
The Eagles had their most successful week of the season in a week in which they did not play a game. Their lead in the NFC (L)East increased to 1.5 games, with all other members of the division standing with two wins apiece. No teams have risen yet to appear as the top threat to Philadelphia. Standings between the bottom three teams are so close, that Dallas, New York, and Washington would have the 3rd, 4th, and 5th pick respectively if the season ended today.
With the draft positions being so desirable for those who don’t make the playoffs in this division, there is an argument to be made that missing the playoffs in 2020 could actually be a hinderance to the team long-term because of their long odds to compete for a championship thus year. This will be a sloppy division to the very end, and we could see record lows for team statistics for a playoff-qualifying team.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
The Eagles are starting to get healthy. RB Miles Sanders, WR Alshon Jeffery, and OG Isaac Seumalo are scheduled to resume practice this week. Two of those three will provide significant upgrades to the offense and the third is Alshon Jeffery.
Seumalo returning to the starting lineup will double the number of originally projected starters on the Eagles offensive line. This offensive line has seen seven different starting lineups over the first eight games, so added stability from a borderline Pro-Bowl guard will help significantly.
Sanders returning also brings some more explosion to the Eagles offense. Running Backs Coach Deuce Staley indicated that Sanders could average 20+ touches per week during training camp, so Sanders will have plenty of opportunity to create some big plays when he returns to the field.
If Alshon Jeffery gets on the field, all it will do is hinder the improving chemistry between. Carson Wentz and the Eagles’ young receivers. Philadelphia would be wise to keep Alshon on the sidelines, simply wasting a roster spot, rather than actively stunting the growth of the team.
THE WEEK AHEAD
The Eagles will take on the Giants this week in East Rutherford, NJ and open as 3.5-point road favorites. The Eagles have won 9 of the last 12 matchups including the past seven consecutive games.
Philadelphia matches up well with New York. The biggest strength of the Eagles’ team is their defensive line, who will have the opportunity to feast on the Giant’s dreadful offensive line. Daniel Jones could be in line for a long day and with multiple turnover opportunities.
Carson Wentz and Daniel Jones are the top two quarterbacks in the league in terms of total turnovers. Both have had issues with pressure and have put the ball on the ground far too many times this year. An Over/Under in the low-mind 40s reflects the difficulty both teams have had finishing drives into the endzone.
