Former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson returns to Philadelphia for the second time this week with this Eagles vs Jaguars matchup. The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled this season, but they have been playing better as of late with a close loss against the Green Bay Packers. They are a desperate team whose last chance at having a successful season comes this week against the Eagles.
Conversely, the Eagles are riding a three-game winning streak after comfortable wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants. They seemingly are turning a corner on both sides of the ball and playing like a contender. To keep it going, the Eagles must stifle the Jaguars offense and limit their big play ability.
Are the Eagles Turning the Corner? Week 9 Eagles vs Jaguars Picks
The Eagles Defensive Line Should Feast
The biggest weakness of the Jaguars offense is their offensive line. While quarterback Trevor Lawrence has done a good job of getting the ball out of his hands, he’s constantly under pressure. The Eagles defensive line has had struggles of their own this year but has been playing better as of late.
However, more importantly, the Eagles defensive front will need to be stout versus the run. The Jaguars are not a special rushing offense, but they are committed to handing the ball off every game. They do this to set up play-action opportunities that they run often, as well as attacking defenses down the field in the passing game.
If the Eagles can stop the Jaguars rushing attack without putting extra bodies near the line of scrimmage, it will force the offense into a rough position. Not only for their play-action passing game, but their chances to move the sticks on third down. The Jaguars have the fourth-worst third-down conversion rate in the NFL.
The Jaguars Dangerous Passing Attack
Trevor Lawrence and the offense want to attack defenses down the field and rank among the top ten in yards per completion. They are always looking for receivers on posts and go routes, but they use those routes to create space underneath them.
They ran a similar play against both the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers that sent the slot receiver on a deep cross underneath a skinny post route by the outside receiver on the opposite side. On top of that, Lawrence does a little sprint out to the opposite side of the field to try and make safeties go the opposite direction the receiver is running.
Trevor's throw to Kirk in the 2 min drive before the half. pic.twitter.com/7dMV56l6Qv
— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) October 28, 2024
This is one example, but other examples will include deep corner routes and deep out routes that are designed to stress cover two safety defenses. If the Eagles can stifle these plays and be solid against the run, the Jaguars will have a hard time moving the ball consistently.
Eagles Win 34- 24
In Eagles vs Jaguars, the Jaguars will be desperate to win this game. They will likely come out fired up early in the game and could put together a few scoring drives in the first half. However, the Eagles offense should have another good day against the Jaguars defense, which has struggled all year. Also, The Jaguars offense is banged up, with receiver Christian Kirk going out for the season last week. The Eagles defense should be able to make enough plays in this game to win again.
Other Prop Bets:
Jalen Hurts 250+ Passing Yards
Over 29.5 Eagles Team Total Points
Saquon Barkley Any Time Touchdown Scorer
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Main Image: Katie Stratman – USA Today Sports
