Who’s Picking the Eagles: Week 4
Photo by Jeff Fusco
The Eagles head to Washington for Week 4. Here’s how an assortment of media think the game will unfold.
Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks believes the Eagles come away with a 26-18 win this Sunday.
Many might forget that it was Philadelphia’s 27–24 loss at Washington in Week 16 last December that snuffed out the last of the Eagles’ once-robust playoff hopes. Chip Kelly’s team hasn’t lost track of that detail, however, and I think Philly is about to put together its most complete performance of the season and earn a division road win. Eagles QB Sam Bradford could really use a strong showing, because even in victory last week against the Jets he looked inaccurate and out of rhythm, missing some very makeable throws.
NFL.com’s Elliot Harrison thinks we’re in for a slugfest this weekend, with the Eagles pulling out a 26-22 victory.
What kind performance is Kirk Cousins going to put out there Sunday? Can he torch the Eagles’ secondary as he did at the Linc last season (30 of 48 for 427 yards, three touchdowns, one pick and a passer rating of 103.4), or are we going to see more of what we sat through last Thursday night (30 of 49 for 316 yards, one score, two picks and a passer rating of 69.8)?
Cousins was sharp in the preseason, and little question remains that starting him over Robert Griffin III was the right move. But in order for him to succeed, Washington must run the ball the way it did in Weeks 1 (161 yards) and 2 (182 yards). That starts with getting Alfred Morris more involved. Getting Darren Sproles more involved seems like the answer for the Eagles. Ryan Mathews will be running into some brick walls against this improved Redskins front, so finding Sproles in space should be a priority for Sam Bradford and the coaching staff. This game smells ugly.
According to Fox Sports’ Pete Schrager, the Eagles are going to get revenge for last season’s Week 16 loss this Sunday with a 24-20 win.
The Eagles still are struggling on offense and injuries are mounting. Good teams overcome tough times, and if the Eagles come out of Week 4 as a 2-2 team with two solid road wins on the résumé? I think they’d sign up for that. How about Darren Sproles? He joined Deion Sanders as the only players to return three punts for touchdowns after their 31st birthdays. More from Sproles on Sunday. This is a payback game for what I think was the worst loss — by any team — of the 2014 season.
There’s plenty of confidence in the Eagles’ ability to win their second of the year over at Pro Football Talk.
MDS’s take: Chip Kelly’s offense still has a lot of work to do, but Kirk Cousins will throw a couple of interceptions and the Eagles will win their second straight, even if they’re still struggling to move the ball.
MDS’s pick: Eagles 17, Washington 10.
Florio’s take: Philly played fairly well with their backs against the wall, but the passing game still needs work. With extra time to get ready, Washington could make this one interesting, but Chip Kelly and company should be able to slow down Matt Jones and Alfred Morris just enough to outscore the home team.
Florio’s pick: Eagles 24, Washington 20.
Nine of ESPN’s 13 experts believe the Eagles top Washington this Sunday.