What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Here’s a roundup of what the national media are saying about Eagles-Redskins.

Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com likes the Eagles in a 34-23 victory:

Sunday will mark 364 days since Nick Foles’ first career start. His opponent that week in 2012? Oh, the same opponent as this week. Quick. If you were to pick a second-year quarterback to lead your team over the next eight weeks, would you go with Robert Griffin III or Foles? The fact that’s not an easy answer says all you need to know about the latter.

ESPN.com’s John Clayton likes what he’s seen from the Eagles lately:

Nick Foles is forced to run a different version of Chip Kelly’s offense than Michael Vick because he’s not a great runner. When Foles runs the read-option, defenses don’t worry about his running like they do Vick, who often burns opponents for 20-plus-yard runs. Where Foles has succeeded in the scheme is in making quick decisions. In the past two games, he has seven touchdown passes on balls thrown at least 15 yards, bringing his season totals to 16 touchdown passes and no interceptions. Plus, somehow, the Philadelphia Eagles climbed back into the playoff race. Despite a winless record at home, the Eagles are 5-5 and tied with the Dallas Cowboys for first place in the NFC East.

Elliot Harrison of NFL.com predicts a 26-22 Eagles victory:

We don’t trust the Redskins on the road this week, but we are exhibiting trust in Nick Foles. Yes, his stat line last Sunday looked better than the reality, but that’s the way it goes. Sometimes, you hit a receiver in the chest, the ball bounces off and you find yourself chasing down a pick-six; other times, you underthrow a guy and get a score. By and large, Foles has been solid this season, save for a really bad outing versus Dallas. As for Washington, if I’m coach Mike Shanahan, I’m running the football as much as possible. That’s the Redskins’ bread and butter. Get Robert Griffin III out in space and make the Eagles play 11-on-11, not 11-on-10. Also, be aware that Alfred Morris, who is averaging well over 5 yards per carry, is having a top-notch season; force that Philly front seven to play physical.

Peter King of TheMMQB.com likes the Eagles to win the NFC East:

If the Giants can beat Scott Tolzien (is that a serious question?) and RG3 can best Nick Foles (a dubious proposition), this division will be two things: ridiculously mediocre and anyone’s playoff berth. One team (Dallas) would be 5-5, one (Philly) would be 5-6, and the other two would be 4-6. Checking the slate down the stretch, I like Philly to win it and be the NFC’s fourth playoff seed, win or lose against Washington.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk goes with a 30-20 Eagles win:

The Eagles haven’t won at home since September 30, 2012. And yet they’re 5-5. The Redskins are 3-6 for the second straight year. And yet they think they can once again turn things around. More importantly, the third-round pick from 2012 is currently looking a lot better than the second overall selection from last year.

Mike Tanier of Sports On Earth has the Eagles, 31-24:

Reasons To Name Foles the Starter

Sixteen touchdowns and zero interceptions.

He’s the best Eagles quarterback right now and only viable “quarterback of the future” on the roster. (Sorry, Matt Barkley, but that was ugly.)

If he goes into a slump and fails utterly, the Eagles can draft a quarterback and start over without splurging on a new contract. If he’s benched, he could evolve into some mythic hero with a huge price tag and unreal expectations (see Brian Hoyer, Browns).

Common freakin’ sense.

Doug Farrar of SI.com offers his take:

The Redskins will be looking for revenge against a Philly team that took their defense apart in Chip Kelly’s NFL coaching debut. Washington closed that loss to a 33-27 margin after trailing 33-7 in the third quarter. Problem is the Redskins haven’t proven able to stop any offense, and the Eagles still lead the league in explosive plays.

Josh Katzowitz of CBSSports.com goes with the Redskins:

Of the eight CBSSports.com experts who picked this game, only one went with Washington. And you’re reading his words right now. What we’ve got here is a case of two solid offenses going against two deplorable defenses. The Redskins have been a big disappointment this season, while the Eagles streaks and stretches have made them an actual contender for the NFC East title (they’re tied for first, but in reality, Washington is only two games back). But Philadelphia is terrible at home. So, I go with Washington.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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