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 most difficult games are the focus.
Philadelphia Eagles Most Difficult Games in 2016
1. at Seattle Seahawks
This one was very close with the Green Bay game, but because this is at Seattle, it makes it ten times harder to even compete. The Eagles defensive line will need to put a lot of pressure on the inexperienced Seahawks offensive line for them to stand much of a chance here. In all, the defense is what will be the most important this game.
2. vs Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is a team that has been formidable for the last decade or so, and that won’t change this year. Aaron Rodgers can make just about anyone look good, (Minus Davante Adams). Eddie Lacy‘s apparently been losing weight, which is great for the Packers. Jordy Nelson will also be back and it was pretty evident how crucial of a cog he is to their offense with him having to miss the season. The defense is shaping up to be pretty good too, although they still didn’t get an inside linebacker so they can switch Clay Matthews back to outside linebacker. Either way, this will be a rough week for the Eagles.
3. at Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are on the brink of being an NFL powerhouse, and the Eagles are certainly not. For the first time in a while, there was competition in the NFC North, normally won by the Packers every year. Mike Zimmer has turned the Vikings around and he’s done it fast. They could potentially have the best defense in the NFL this year. Teddy Bridgewater is pretty good, and adding Laquon Treadwell will give him someone to throw to. Adrian Peterson is a monster and could carry the team if he had to. The key to this game for the Eagles is the defensive line. If they slow down Peterson, they have a slim chance.
4. vs Cincinnati Bengals
The fact this game is at home really helps the Eagles out. Philadelphia is the worst environment for an away team in any sport, but especially football. Most of the Bengals offense is kind of OK, so the defense will have play pretty hard to keep them in it. It’ll be the offense with a tough assignment this week, because that Bengals defense can be pretty scary at times. This will be a very hard game for the Eagles
5. at Detroit Lions
Even without Calvin Johnson, this offense is pretty good. Golden Tate is underrated as is Marvin Jones. I was hoping the Eagles would make a pass at Marvin Jones. Nonetheless, Matthew Stafford could be even better now that Megatron is gone, because now he won’t try to force it to him, so he may be more cautious. The defense is pretty good too, except for the number two corner (whoever it will be), who Sam Bradford will have to pick on early this game. The offense will need a hot start this week.
6. vs Atlanta Falcons
People constantly sleep on the Falcons. Don’t do it. The offensive line, which has been garbage for a while, seems fixed. Austin Hooper will boost the tight ends. Devonta Freeman was an animal. The defense is remotely competent. This team will be dangerous this year. The Eagles would be lucky to scrape by with a win.
7. vs New York Giants
The Giants have a very real chance of winning the AFC East this year, and they probably will. The revamped defensive line could disrupt running games throughout the division. Sterling Shepard goes well with Odell Beckham. Paul Perkins will inject life into the running game and the passing game. Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are a good pair of corners. Safety and linebacker are issues though. Stopping OBJ is hopeless, so the offense needs to step up big this game.
8. vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense is one of the best in the league and the Le’Veon Bell-Ben Roethlisberger-Antonio Brown triplet is dynamite. The defense is pretty lackluster though, so there is the weak point to target this week. A hot start might be all you need for this week.
Be sure and check out the eight easiest games on the Philadelphia Eagles schedule.
