The moment we have been waiting for since the Super Bowl is finally almost here. The Philadelphia Eagles are set to play again this Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons and it should be a good one. Foles will be getting the start for the banged up Eagles squad as Wentz, along with Alshon Jeffery and Nigel Bradham, all miss the season opener. The predictions listed below are 100% correct and will happen until proven otherwise (at which point I will accept humiliation).
Nick Foles. Photo by Sports Illustrated.
While the Eagles are not fully healthy, their depth keeps them competitive. The Eagles have the best backup quarterback in the NFL. So even though Carson Wentz is not starting, the Eagles still have a chance to win with Nick Foles under center.
The reason the Eagles will win this game is that they have a stronger defense than the Falcons. The Eagles’ defensive line is the best in the NFL and should cause a lot of pressure for Matt Ryan and the Falcons running backs. The Falcons have a potent offense, but Philadelphia’s defense matches up well against them. For example, the Eagles have played the Falcons two other times over the last couple years. Through these games, the Eagles only allowed 15 and 10 points and won both games. If Philadelphia can contain Atlanta’s offense again, the Eagles should have a good chance to emerge victorious.
Fletcher Cox sacks Matt Ryan. Photo by Bleeding Green Nation.
The Eagles defense is built on getting pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback. The most important part of a Schwartz-led defense is the defensive line. Fortunately, the Eagles have the best defensive line in the NFL and it has ridiculous depth with Michael Bennett, Haloti Ngata and Chris Long on the second unit behind Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett and eventually Timmy Jernigan.
In addition, the secondary is now one of the better ones in the NFL and the Eagles young cornerbacks should take yet another step forward this season. As a result, Philadelphia should force at least two turnovers as the Falcon’s offense works out their early-season kinks.
Foles has not looked good this year. His preseason performances were terrible. However, it’s worth noting that he looked terrible in his first few starts last year as well before going on a tear in the playoffs and becoming Super Bowl MVP. Foles is about as inconsistent a quarterback as you can find. As a result, Philadelphia will come out with a run-heavy game plan and try to play quality defense. The Eagles are also missing starting receiver, Alshon Jeffery.
For their part, the Falcons will likely come out with a quick passing focus to try to neutrilize the pressure of the Eagles defensive line. Defensively, the Falcons will likely try to pressure Foles into making mistakes and focusing on stopping the run.
Prediction: Eagles 20, Falcons 17
In a hard-fought defensive game, the Eagles come out as the winner. Philadelphia starts the season off right with a win and Foles does just enough to get the win despite struggling through much of the game.
Extra BOLD prediction: The Eagles defense or special teams score a touchdown.
Featured image from 1400 WWGE
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