The Eagles rode into the bye week off of some momentum, and they got to sit at home and watch the division-leading Cowboys lose to the Vikings.
Both teams now sit at 5-4, and this sets up a potentially huge game on Dec. 22. But that is not quite here yet, and in the meantime we are going to take a look at a couple of things to watch, now that the bye is over.
Who can stay hot?
There’s not doubt that the Eagles are a better team when they utilize tight end Zach Ertz. He had his best game of the season before the bye against the Chicago Bears, where he caught nine balls for 103 yards and a touchdown. If he can continue to build on this performance, this team could be one of the best offenses in football.
Who else will catch the ball for the Eagles?
Quarterback Carson Wentz’ stats are nothing special this season, and that may be in part to his lack of weapons when it comes to pass catches.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has been solid, but the Eagles have really missed the presence of wide receiver DeSean Jackson. It looks like Jackson’s season is all but over, as they placed him on injured reserve. The Eagles decided to sign a familiar face, as they welcomed back wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Matthews has 21 career touchdowns with the Eagles, and he will look to build on that even more.
Can the Eagles win the tough games?
The next two games could define the season for the Eagles. This week they take on the New England Patriots (rematch of the Super Bowl), and the week after that, the Seattle Seahawks come to town. I think if the Eagles want to secure a playoff spot they need to go at least 1-1 in those games.
However, the season does get much easier as 4 of their final 5 games are against the Washington Redskins, the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins. All of those are teams that they should beat.
We will be back later in the week, to preview the Eagles game against the Patriots in terms of bets and odds. This game could be special, or it could be another awful showing from the Eagles. One things for sure, Tom Brady has not forgotten about the Super Bowl.