5 bold predictions for when the Eagles battle the Patriots

Football is finally back and the anticipation of seeing what 2023 brings to the Eagles is at an all-time high. The team has a tougher schedule this season but was able to retool themselves properly in hopes of making another Super Bowl run. Until then, they’ll have to focus on their week 1 matchup against the Patriots.

Here are five bold predictions for the Eagles in their late afternoon matchup in Foxborough:

D’Andre Swift records 100+ scrimmage yards

While the speculation continues as to who will be the Eagles lead back this season, I am here to inform you that it doesn’t matter. Weapons are weapons and they’ll be used differently each week.

This week is the D’Andre Swift arrival game. I believe that D’Andre Swift will blow past 100 scrimmage yards in his Eagles debut. I am going with 70+ rushing yards and 30+ receiving yards for the Eagles’ newest weapon as he will get a bulk of the carries.

Jalen Carter gets 2 sacks in Eagles debut

What better way to prove that the Eagles were right than by showing out in your rookie debut?! The Eagles took a leap of faith when drafting Jalen Carter who many believe is a generational talent but his off-the-field issues were a huge cause for concern.

I can see Carter getting to Mac Jones for two sacks in his debut with at least a handful of pressures.

The safeties show out and settle any doubts

The safety position is one of the bigger question marks on the roster once again. The Eagles are sure of who they have in Reed Blankenship and were very happy when they landed Sydney Brown in the draft. They also invested in signing both Terrel Edmunds and Justin Evans, two veterans who can help the young guys along the way.

I believe that we’ll witness a level of stability from this group that will help ease the minds of Eagles fans. I also think that Sydney Brown and Blankenship will prove to be wrecking balls. They both have a nose for the ball and I think they’ll make it tough for the Pats offense on Sunday.

James Bradberry silences his doubters

While many were excited that the Eagles signed Bradberry to a longer deal, others cast a shadow of doubt over the veteran cornerback’s 2022 season. While he is a year older, I believe Bradberry still has a huge chip on his shoulder. 

I can Sean Desai turning Bradberry into a Swiss Army knife and there is no better opportunity to show out than the one he has in front of him. He’ll look to make w statement against Juju Smith-Schuster, who had a friend in the referee’s during that last drive in the Super Bowl.

Jalen Hurts passes for 300+ yards

Bill Belichick complimented the Eagles QB this week when asked about using a player on the scout team to play the role of Jalen Hurts. He stated, “I mean, we’re talking about a guy who was second in MVP voting last year or whatever he was. Athletically, there’s some similarities, but you’re talking about arguably the best player in the league, or one of the top two or three best players in the league. Nobody has anybody that can be him, and if they do, that guy’s probably not playing on the scout team for that team anyway.”

I believe that Jalen Hurts lives up to the praise and picks up where he left off. The Super Bowl showed that Jalen Hurts can do whatever he wants in a game and succeed. I think the Eagles turn on their aerial attack and Jalen Hurts throws for over 300 yards in Foxborough.

AP Photo/Chris Szagola