Jalen Hurts is the only NFL quarterback with more than 100 passing attempts (he has 101) and zero interceptions. He has had two consecutive games with two or more touchdown passes and at least a 100-plus passer rating. He’s had at least two touchdown passes and a 100-plus rating in five of his last seven home starts. Great stuff. Hurts has accounted for nine touchdowns this season and his ball security has been admirable and there are many reasons why the Eagles have won 18 games in row started and finished by Hurts.
On the other sideline, Bo Nix is in his second season and he is on the rise after taking Denver to the playoffs last year. He had had at least two touchdown passes and a 90-plus passer rating in five of his last six road games. Also mobile, Nix averages nearly 20 rushing yards per game this season.
So, this is an interesting battle of the quarterbacks. So many games come down to the best quarterback. How legit is Nix, a quarterback the Eagles have never seen? This is going to be a really fun game against a team the Eagles just don’t have a lot of history with.
5. Secondarily speaking …
The Eagles have allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete only 56.9 percent of their passes, best in the league. The red zone defense has been ridiculous – 20 percent completion percentage, a 33.3 percent passer rating, and three takeaways. Quinyon Mitchell won the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his play against the Bucs. Denver has a lot of good receivers – Troy Franklin, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims. Deep group. Nix spreads it around.
And then there is the Denver secondary, led by 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Patrick Surtain II. How can the Eagles get some big plays for A.J Brown and Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert and Jahan Dotson? Great matchup to watch.
6. In the trenches is where it’s at …
The Eagles would love to get their running game cranked up and that starts at the line of scrimmage. The Eagles face maybe their toughest group in Denver’s front, and here is a number to watch: Denver has not permitted a single fourth-down conversion this year. Meet that, Tush Push (presented by DUDE Wipes)!
Philadelphia’s offensive line has its hands full and so does the defensive line. Which team will be more physical? Which team will make the fewest mental mistakes? Which team scores touchdowns, not field goals, in the red zone?
Expect a tight game here and consider this number: The Eagles are 28-7 in one-possession games since 2022 and all of their games this season have been one-possession outcomes.
Source link
