Eagles vs. Dolphins Game Preview: Pair of 5-1 teams set to square off under the Sunday Night lights

The Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) will host the Miami Dolphins (5-1) under the Sunday Night lights at Lincoln Financial Field. It’s a huge game for both squads, serving as a barometer for how good each of these 5-1 teams truly are.

Eagles looking to bounce back after rough loss to New York

Philadelphia lost their first games of their season last week, falling to the New York Jets 20-14. It was an uncharacteristically bad performance from the Birds’ offense, getting completely shutout in the second half and committing four total turnovers.

While the Dolphins defense does have talent across the board, they’re not nearly as stout as New York’s defense has been this year, giving the Eagles a better chance for sustained success this week. Miami has allowed 343 yards per game (20th) along with 114.5 rushing yards per contest (20th). They’re also near the bottom of the league in points surrendered per game at 26 – good for 25th in the NFL.

Setting the tone with the ground game should be priority number one for Nick Sirianni and Brian Johnson. The Eagles boast one of the best rushing attacks in the game, averaging 150 rushing yards per game.

Defensively, Sean Desai will have his hands full. Miami has the No. 1 offense in football and at this juncture, it’s not even close. They’re first in all of the following categories:

• Total yards per game: 498.7
• Passing yards per game: 316.8
• Rushing yards per game: 181.8
• Points per game: 37.2 (!)

So, yeah. The Dolphins know how to move the ball and put points on the board.

Their top weapon is Tyreek Hill, but they really have weapons at every position. Jaylen Waddle has been a solid WR2. Their backfield duo of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane have been lethal, combining for 889 rushing yards thus far. Achane specifically has been putting up ridiculous numbers, averaging 12.1 yards per carry on 38 totes.

The Eagles are banged up a bit defensively with Reed Blankenship out, but they will be getting Jalen Carter and Darius Slay back after missing last week’s contest.

I’d give you guys a quick breakdown on how the Eagles can stop Miami’s offense, but if I knew the answer to that question, I’d be a defensive coordinator in the NFL. Get after Tua and make him uncomfortable while stifling their rushing attack, that’s about all I got.

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Final injury report for Philly and Miami

Eagles:

• Reed Blankenship – OUT
• Bradley Roby – OUT

Dolphins:

• Jalen Ramsey – OUT
• Xavien Howard – Questionable
• Alec Ingold – Questionable
• Nick Needham – Questionable
• Connor Williams – Questionable

Read More: Eagles Final Week 7 Injury Report

Final Prediction

This contest is poised to be a high scoring affair. Both offenses are elite and have weapons everywhere. It’s going to come down to which defense can make a stop or cause a turnover, and that’s where the Eagles have the clear advantage.

Desai’s defense has been a pretty solid unit all season. They currently rank seventh in total defense and third in total sacks (20). Even though Blankenship will be out, the team’s most important defensive player will be back on the field, Jalen Carter. Yes, he’s already the best player on the Eagles defense. Not to mention the team’s CB1, Darius Slay, who will also be back on the field this Sunday.

I have faith in Desai’s defense this week. They have the horses to make Tua uncomfortable in the pocket and force him into mistakes. Miami will try to target the Eagles secondary from the jump, giving the Eagles pass rush an opportunity to shine. This game will be won in the trenches, and the Eagles have the clear edge there.

Final Score Prediction: Eagles 29, Dolphins 26