After a week filled with criticism towards the Philadelphia Eagles, they have a chance to redeem themselves this afternoon against the winless Detroit Lions. Don’t let their record fool you. The Lions don’t play like an 0-7 football team. Throughout the season, Detroit has played close games with the Bills, Steelers, Ravens, and most recently, the Los Angeles Rams.

There is a lot on the line for the Eagles today. A loss would plummet this team to the bottom of the NFL and likely pour gasoline on discussions surrounding the future of this coaching staff. The Eagles can pull off a win, but they’ll need to make changes they haven’t been willing to do but are capable of.

If the Eagles want to win, it starts with Jonathan Gannon. Gannon has been running a soft zone coverage that is one of, if not the worst passing defense in football. Pressure needs to be sent towards Jared Goff, and the numbers on both ends show it can be effective. The Eagles’ offense could put up enough points to survive with the scheme currently run, but they have a far better shot if Gannon adjusts.

The Lion’s offense has some weapons but is overall not that great. Goff is on the verge of losing his starting job to David Blough (who?), with his best receiving options being T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift. Their offensive line is okay but underwhelming. Penei Sewell has had a rough start to the season but has been making strides, and former Eagle Halapoulivaati Vaitai is at right guard.

Darius Slay will also be making his return to Ford Field since being traded to Philadelphia last season. Dan Campbell is a fantastic coach and has been everything Eagles fans hoped Nick Sirianni to be thus far. 

Even without Miles Sanders, Sirianni must stick with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott in the run game. If Philadelphia continues to run screens and RPOs primarily, the Lions will be walking out of today’s game with a victory.

Overall it comes down to how competent can the Eagles’ coaching staff be. They are far, far, more talented than the Lions. But Detroit is better coached and has a chip on their shoulder every week. I have hope that the Eagles can escape today with a win, but it’s going to be a close one.

Prediction: Eagles 20 – Lions 14

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