The Eagles have their first regular season game in a little less than a week. They face the Detroit Lions, who could be a surprise team in 2022. The Eagles will be away for this game, which favors the Lions. Â In addition, the spread as of this writing is in favor of the Eagles by four points. However, do not be surprised if this spread gets lower closer to game day. The article will preview the Philadelphia Eagles’ first regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
The Detroit Lions
The Lions are heading into their second year with head coach Dan Campbell. He and Detroit’s coaching staff has really improved this team in the offseason. They snatched edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, with the second pick of the NFL draft. He was a beast at Michigan racking up 62 total tackles and 14 sacks in 2021. The Lions also drafted Jameson Williams out of Alabama in the first round. He had over 1,500 yards in 2021 and 15 touchdowns in 2021.
Detroit also features Deandre Swift and one of the better offensive lines in the League. This is a recipe for success for the Lions running game in 2022. The Lions also feature Jared Goff who will be heading into his second season with the Lions. Goff did not have his best season last year, as he threw 19 touchdowns which is his lowest total since his rookie year. He will need to prove that he can be a franchise quarterback for the Lions. Lastly, the Lions will have their breakout wide receiver back from last season Armon-Ra St. Brown. He had just over 900 yards and five touchdowns. He will be one of the critical parts of Lions’ offense if they want to be successful.
The Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles should be heading into this game with some confidence. They have all the tools they need to have a great team this season. Their passing attack has improved tremendously with the additions of A.J. Brown and Zach Pascal. Â Jalen Hurts will be heading into his second season having learned from his mistakes last season. There were small glimpses of improved decision-making in the preseason. However, can he keep that up for a whole game?
Furthermore, the offensive line is ranked as one of the best in the league with the likes Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Isaac Seumalo and Lane Johnson. With that being said, the Eagles will be without left tackle Andre Dillard who suffered a nondisplaced fracture in practice. This will require him to miss some time. However, even with Dillard being out, the offensive line will open the running attack for Miles Sanders.
The key to victory on offense is to be balanced. Philadelphia needs to take advantage of their improvements at receiver and trust that Jalen Hurts can do it. However, the Eagles cannot afford to make their running game nonexistent, they were one of the best in the league at running the ball last year. They need to keep that up.
The Eagles’ defense also has some new faces on defense such as stand-out linebacker Hassan Reddick. He is an outstanding pass rusher and will be key a player in getting the Eagles more sacks this season. The Eagles also acquired James Bradberry, which will add another veteran presence to this Eagles secondary. Furthermore, who could forget the Eagles’ number one draft pick Jordan Davis, who is another player that can help the Eagles’ pass rush. These are all great additions to the Eagles roster that will be needed for this game against the Lion and for the rest of the season.
The key to victory for the Eagles’ defense is to stop D’Andre Swift and the rushing attack. If Swift gets going, then it could be a long day at the office for the Eagles. This would open up the passing attack for Jared Goff. The Lions have a great tight end in T.J. Hockinson who could be dangerous in play action. In conclusion, if the Eagles stop Detroit’s running attack, then they will have the best chance to win.
This Concludes this Philadelphia Eagles game preview for the Detroit Lions Game.
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