We're here! Eagles gameday is upon us and you know what that means. It's time for some bold predictions. Our aim is to hit 50% of our bold picks by the time the season comes to an end. Can we, like the Eagles, start out hot? Liam Jenkins and Thomas Ringgaard team up to bring you five bold predictions each. Drop yours below!
Liam -
Wentz hits the ground running
There may be some rust to shake off for Carson Wentz, but I doubt that it will take long for that to happen. Wentz has looked excellent against Washington in just about every game he's played so far, From that Houdini moment to a Nelson Agholor bomb to start the day, I think this afternoon's matchup will bring much of the same. I'm predicting Wentz to eclipse 300 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions.
A DeSean Jackson bomb to open the game
Could there be any better bold prediction than this? A throwback to 2010's 'Monday Night Massacre', DeSean Jackson's homecoming will bring out plenty of adrenaline and emotion from players and fans alike, and against his former team too, it's only fitting that the first play of the game is a deep-bomb to Jackson.
SUUUULszn
Week one last year saw a wild Rasul Douglas pick off Matt Ryan. Week one this year will see a wild Rasul Douglas pick off Case Keenum. Douglas had an excellent offseason and while he isn't starting, he should see plenty of action. I'm predicting the young ballhawk to add another pick to his career total today.
Rookies run rampant
The world cannot wait to see Miles Sanders and JJ Arcega-Whiteside. Will they get much exposure in week one? Only time will tell, but the two second-round picks have plenty of potential. My penultimate bold prediction is for both rookies to score a touchdown in week one and leave fans purring.
The Hall of pain
One player who really shone this preseason was DE Daeshon Hall, a man who led the NFL in just about every preseason category possible. He might not see a huge chunk of snaps, but my final bold prediction is for the former third-round pick to get his first sack of the season against a Washington team pushed back against the wall.
See picks from Thomas Ringgaard on the page below.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
1. Desean Jackson gets 150+ yards, 2 TDs
With Josh Norman usually covering Alshon Jeffery when the Eagles play the Redskins, Desean Jackson is set to be covered by 5th year CB Quinton Dunbar, who has started a total of 14 games in his career.
A homecoming for Jackson, a good chemistry with Wentz during the preseason, and going against his former team, DJax is primed for a big game
2. Zach Brown will record 10+ tackles
The tackling machine, who also was recently with the Redskins, will be a busy man vs Redskins. Going up against a team that ranked as the 2nd worst passing team in 2018, he will be facing a lot of running from Derrius Guice, Chris Thompson, and Wendell Smallwood (because apparently Adrian Peterson is a healthy scratch).
What Brown does best is play the run. Expect him to fill that role nicely today.
3. Miles Sanders gets his first TD in midnight green
The hype couldn't be higher. He has been flashing some serious talent all preseason, and now it's time to break loose. In his letter to Eagles fans, he explained how he is a man on a mission. A man looking to make a name for HIMSELF, not the "next Saqoun Barkley" (although that would be nice).
Sanders gets his first tuddie today.
4. Carson Wentz will give away 2 turnovers
It's been a long time since Wentz set foot in a game. Rust is to be expected. I advise everyone to not lose their mind if it happens - the man has to get his feet under him again and lead the team.
Some new pieces for the offense and the beginning of something great, don't be surprised if Wentz makes a few mistakes.
5. Eagles defense gets 5+ sacks and force at least 2 turnovers
Ereck Flowers and Donald Penn will go against Fletcher Cox/Timmy Jernigan/Malik Jackson on the inside along with Barnett coming off the edge. I like the Eagles chances to pressure Keenum.
If Redskins can't get the run game going, they're going to force it down the field. Something I expect Darby, Jenkins, Jones, and finally healthy Mccleod to take advantage of.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
