By: KO Kelly
Last week’s meltdown against the Titans wasn’t due to the return of 2016 Agholor or the ghosts of Asomugha/ Williams/Fletcher in the secondary or our porous o-line. No, it was my fault. Like Big Red used to say, “It’s starts with me”. Both of our losses this year have occurred while I was also on the road. I was aware of our home record when I am at the games (2-0) but I didn’t realize the responsibility I was shouldering this year for road games. I will act more responsibly next Thursday when we travel to the Meadowlands and stay in Philly.
Additionally, it did not help that I built up last week’s match-up as a game to remember. I was just trying to be creative in my writing. I did not expect the Titans to actually deliver on my prediction of it being a close and memorable game. I mean really - who would have thought they would go for and convert three fourth downs . . . in a row . . . within field goal range . . . in overtime! That takes some serious huevos. Even in defeat an Eagles fan can appreciate that. So let’s give credit where credit is due, the Titans - after disappearing for a while in the middle - did not give up and willed their way to victory.
It should have been a joyful memory as the game where the Eagles offense found their groove with the return of Jeffrey and the continued progression of Wentz’s recovery but alas it will be a painful memory of defeat snatched from the hands of victory. Luckily it was an out-of-conference game and should not have too much of an effect on playoff standings.
This week’s match-up, however, has serious playoff implications for two teams thought to be clear NFC favorites only a month ago. Who would have predicted that with 4 games under their belts, these teams would not even collectively have that many wins?
After losing a shoot-out with the Rams last Thursday, the Vikings are in a near do or die situation. They haven’t won since week 1 (vs the Niners) and are likely still recovering from their embarrassing outing against the Bills two weeks ago. Speaking of embarrassing, remember when the Vikings came to the Linc last year heavily favored by all the major media outlets and oddsmakers and then were summarily Skol’ed out of town to the tune of 38-7? Good times!
This time around they will have a real QB at the helm (Hey Kirk, you like that shout-out?) who has a history of putting up big numbers against our Birds. Paired with one of the three offensive masterminds (DeFilippo) from Wentz’s break-out 2017 campaign, I do not foresee Cousins’ track record against us slowing down.
Fortunately, Wentz will continue his upward surge with a masterful performance that will silence the doubters and restore confidence in this beleaguered city that hasn’t won a Super Bowl in 8 long months! The defense will look better throughout most of the game - pressuring Cousins’ and forcing some turnovers but they will give up some garbage points in the 4th quarter, which will rightfully annoy all of us who are hoping for a 38-7 repeat.
Eagles win 35 - 21
(Record 3-2)
No comments:
Post a Comment