It's gameday! Anticipation ahead of tonight's clash with Atlanta is growing. On the road, in a dome, Eagles fans have flooded the City and with so much hype around the fourth meeting between these two teams in as many years, Liam Jenkins and Thomas Ringgaard are here with five bold predictions each. Here are their records after week one:
Liam: 1-4 (Wentz 300 yards, 3 TD, no INT)Thomas: 1-4 (Jackson 150+ yards and 2 TD's)
We may have missed on four, but our crystal ball was deadly accurate on the correct predictions. The question is, can either of us add to our tally?
Liam:
Bull in a china shop
After averaging 7.3 yards per carry in week one, there has been plenty of noise around Jordan Howard. Atlanta meanwhile were unable to stop a runaway train in Davlin Cook last week, who ran all over them for fun en-route to a 111-yard game. I think the Eagles are going to pile on the pressure here, very aware of the Falcons lighter, zippier defense and will force the ball up the gut to establish the run. I predict Howard will have at least 10 carries for over 65 yards and his first touchdown as an Eagle.
Barnett's breakout
Derek Barnett led the NFL in QB hits with 3 and in QB hurries last week. His pass-rushing grade was worrying (per PFF) but on tape, we saw a man really building on the foundation he laid. He didn't burn out deep into drives and brought constant pressure.
He now faces a struggling LT in Jake Matthews, who allowed 5 of the 13 pressures absorbed by Matty Ice. He simply has to be smelling blood in the water and as a result, I'm predicting 2 sacks and 3 QB hits for Barnett.
SidneySZN
Sidney Jones may not have set the world alight last week, in fact, Rasul Douglas got the start in a 'CB by committee' look. However, if we're talking matchup on Calvin Ridley, I think Jones brings a more complete look to the table to stop the pesky route-runner.
Not only do I think Jones will start, but I think he has a very strong game, recording his first INT, 5 tackles, and 2 PBU's.
Wentz leads the charge
Carson Wentz is facing a shootout in tonight's game, there's no denying that. But can he step up on the road against a Falcons team hungry for revenge? If his tape from last week is anything to go by, yes. Wentz looked surgical against Washington, and this offense is just too explosive not to take off. I'm predicting Wentz to throw for 3 touchdowns and 300 yards, doubling down on last week's pick.
Arcegatron
Atlanta have a lot of strength over the top and at linebacker and red zone matchups will be a nightmare as a result. It's also been a huge area of focus for the Eagles and with that in mind, it's time to cut this year's second-round pick loose. For my final prediction, I'm going out and saying that JJ Arcega-Whiteside catches his first NFL touchdown from inside the 20.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
To read predictions from Thomas, hit the 'page 2' button below.
Thomas:
Desean Jackson will have more yards than Julio Jones
As Desmond Trufant will likely be following Alshon Jeffery, Desean Jackson will once again look to take advantage of his matchup with a CB2. Julio Jones usually gets over 100 yards against the Eagles, but DJax will go beyond that tonight.
Jordan Howard will average over 5 yards per carry
I wanted to say Howard gets >100 yards, but that would only be relevant in a scenario where he gets sufficient carries to do that. Instead, Howard will keep his solid-average from last week going, getting over 5 yards per carry vs Atlanta.
Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox record a sack each
BG was terrific against the Redskins, and will get on the sack sheet tonight. Cox is getting back to speed, still dealing with a toe injury, but usually has it his way against Falcons. With Lindstrom out, Cox and Jernigan could eat.
Falcons will not sack Carson Wentz
The OL did a terrific job versus a blitz-happy 3-4 Redskins team. This week presents a faster 4-3 team, but that won't matter. The big boys keep Wentz clean.
Wentz throws 4 TDs
He was robbed of it last week as the final TD was considered a lateral. In a dome, in a groove, Wentz will light the place on fire, getting what is rightfully his - 4 TDs.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
