During July, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the Philadelphia Eagles easiest games are the focus.
Philadelphia Eagles Easiest Games in 2016
9. at New York Giants
The Giants seem poised to claim the NFC east title, which is good because the Cowboys won’t have it. However, the Eagles can still compete against them, and have it be close, even at the Meadowlands. Both of these division games will be very fun to watch, as are all Giants-Eagles games.
10. at Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is always way too hyped up. They aren’t going to be that good, but it’s unlikely the Eagles will be very good either. As a result, they won’t be pushovers. The Eagles front seven is poised to contain the Dallas running game. The key here is offense, beat up on the crappy Cowboys defense early and dig Dallas’ grave for them.
11. vs Dallas Cowboys
Same as before, but at Philly, so much easier.
12. at Washington Redskins
Washington will be a curious case this year. They could end up surprising everybody and actually be a pretty good team. Josh Doctson is a good addition, and all of a sudden Washington has a solid wide receiver group, (Doctson, Desean Jackson, Pierre Garçon, Jamison Crowder). The addition of Josh Norman will jump start the secondary, but not as much as some people believe. David Bruton could really help them out too. This team is looking a whole lot better this year, and could be a formidable team in a few years. However they aren’t an incredible threat this season. The defense will need to hit Kirk Cousins hard and often in this game and in the other division matchup.
13. at Chicago Bears
Chicago could be decent this year. Jay Cutler is experiencing the renaissance of his career, Jeremy Langford is getting to be the full time starter, and Kevin White will likely see some of his earliest NFL action. This offense is prepared to be a powerhouse this upcoming season. However, the defense still leaves something to be desired. Leonard Floyd is not exactly ready to step into the shoes of a starter, and the secondary is a mess, except for Kyle Fuller. The additions of Akiem Hicks and Danny Trevathan will help them stop the run more effectively, but the Bears will likely still get carved up through the Air. The Eagles passing attack could really pick them apart.
14. vs Washington Redskins
The Eagles will probably win this game, especially because it’s at home.
15. at Baltimore Ravens
Panic alarms should be going off all over for this team. Joe Flacco took a sharp dive last year and played one of his worst seasons. Justin Forsett‘s yards per carry average took a plunge from 5.4 to 4.2. Steve Smith Sr nearly retired, and they should be giving a huge sigh of relief he didn’t, because if he did, they’d be stuck with Mike Wallace as their number one. Jimmy Smith is pretty good, but has only been able to put together two full seasons. Any team that considers Matt Elam to be a potential starter is insane, and a team that needs to start him is desperate. CJ Mosley didn’t even play close to as good he did his rookie season, and the entire front seven was in disarray and likely will be again. This one of only two pushovers for the Eagles this season.
16. vs Cleveland Browns
Cleveland hasn’t been good since Bernie Kosar was around, and as good as Hue Jackson is, he’s not turning it around this season. He took an excellent path at the draft, a path that rebuilding teams should take notes on. In a few years they may be halfway decent. What had been the bright spot, the offensive line, doesn’t shine anymore, with the departures of Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack. Who knows? Maybe they’ll find a quarterback who lasts more than two seasons. If the Eagles don’t win here, they should be absolutely ashamed.
Be sure to check out the eight most difficult games on the Eagles schedule.
