Carson Wentz returns as the Philadelphia Eagles gear up to face the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, on the other side, Frank Reich returns to Philadelphia for the first time as a head coach. The Eagles are 1-1 heading into this matchup and could really use a win to stay near the top of the standings.
Carson Wentz. Photo by Clem Murray/Philly Inquirer.
Wentz has missed more than nine months of football action. However, when he was last playing he was the likely 2017 MVP and leading the NFL in touchdown passes. Expect him to shake the rust off quickly and look back to his old ways sooner rather than later. Wentz has looked lights-out in practice and will make up for the lacking receiving corps by extending plays and making pinpoint throws. This game will be a shining example of the difference between a franchise star like Carson Wentz and an average at best quarterback in Nick Foles.
In recent years Philadelphia’s defense performed very differently at home than when away. At home, they have been lights out. In each of the last two years, the Eagles’ defense has been second best in points allowed at home. That trend will continue this year as the Eagles’ defense puts in a good effort against a really good quarterback in Andrew Luck. Normally Philadelphia would not allow more than 17 points at home but Andrew Luck is good enough to get them at least 20. That being said, expect Luck to get hit a lot and make a few mistakes as well due to immense pressure from the Eagles fearsome defensive front.
Corey Clement. Photo from Sports Illustrated.
Jay Ajayi is looking doubtful to play, as is Darren Sproles. That leaves Super Bowl hero Corey Clement as the lead back. Luckily, Clement has shown himself to be a high quality running back and could be the future lead back of the team. In that way, this game could be a sneak peek of the future of the Eagles’ running game. With Philadelphia’s offensive line blocking the way and Carson Wentz back in the fold expect the Eagles’ running game to be especially effective against the Colts. Clement should get 75+ yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on the day.
If asked last week whether Eagles versus Buccaneers or Eagles versus Colts would be closer I think nearly everyone would have thought that the Colts stood a much better chance of competing with Philly. Now after the Eagles lost to the Buccaneers it seems like the Colts actually have a shot to win. However, Philadelphia should be plenty motivated after their loss to Tampa Bay. As a result, the Eagles will play hard and come away with a relatively easy win against the Indianapolis Colts.
Eagles 34 – 20
Extra bold prediction – Carson Wentz throws four touchdowns in his first game back.
Featured image from Suchat Pederson of The News Journal
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