It’s been rough for the Eagles in the last two weeks. After a loss to the San Fransisco 49ers, major salt was rubbed into the wound with another bashing by the Dallas Cowboys. On top of that, the Eagles lost possession of the number-one seed in the NFC. The Eagles are still 24-6 in the last two seasons of the regular season. It’s a team that has not lost very much at all and they should still be commended for that. Even though they are in a brutal stretch of games, there still needs to be some concern about how the Eagles have played. Many people, including I, were applauding the Eagles ability to pull out wins at the end of the game. However, if you’re not in a good spot throughout the game, it will be hard to keep pulling out the win from nowhere.
This week will be an important test to see if the Eagles can correct themselves. While the number one seed isn’t in their hands anymore, winning the remainder of their games will ensure an NFC East title. With a home-playoff game in the balance, there are a few things the Eagles need to correct. The biggest thing the Eagles should be looking to correct is their overall control of the game.
Week 15 Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks Picks
Eagles Have Strayed from Their Strength
The Eagles are an all-star team of talent. But their best quality has always been their ability to oppose their will up front with that offensive line. There are a couple of reasons why that hasn’t happened in recent weeks. First, the Eagles have been a little too pass-happy at times, which has led them to too many 3-and-outs or short drives. The second reason is that their defense has not been playing well either, letting teams go on long sustained drives throughout the game. The Eagles need to be able to string out drives and wear out the other opponent, which will involve a heavy dose of the run game.
Only four games have the Eagles not rushed 25+ times, and in those four games came three losses and one narrow win. The Eagles can make plays passing the ball, but they have been looking too much for it. Explosive plays are important, but you cannot expect to get one every drive of every game through the air. There needs to be more balance to their attack and possibly even a greater emphasis on running the ball. When they’re at their best, they can run the ball on anyone, but this year they haven’t to the same degree they need to be.
Seahawks Biggest Weakness is Against the Run
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a loss last week to the 49ers. The Seahawks currently rank 23rd in the league in rushing yards allowed and 25th in [passing yards allowed. Their defense, like the Eagles defense, has a tough time getting off the field but also give up many big plays. It’s a great opportunity for the Eagles offense to get back on track, but seeing the Eagles do what they have done the last few won’t extinguish any concerns. The Eagles need a dominant performance offensively throughout for the doubters to be quieted. They can still win this game if they are stuck up on chasing big plays through the air, but it’s a bad habit that must be corrected heading into the playoffs. The Eagles used to pride themselves on physically dominating opponents and this matchup should be one where they get their swagger back.
Eagles vs Seahawks Picks: Bottom Line
Eagles win 27-17
With the balance of the NFC East in jeopardy for the Eagles, it really should be the week they lock back in and start playing their game again. There can be other outcomes where nothing changes for the Eagles offensively and this game becomes a lot closer. Yet, it would be tough for the Seahawks to win a shootout against the talent the Eagles have on the offensive side of the ball. Whether Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith plays or not, the Seahawks will be able to move the ball throughout the game but expect the Eagles defensive line to be a real factor in this game as well. All in all, this should be the game the Eagles get back on track, but every fan wants to not only see them win but start correcting themselves before the playoffs.
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