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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

6 burning questions ahead of Eagles-Buccaneers Wild Card matchup in NFC playoffs

Philadelphia went 1-5 down the stretch, but Nick Sirianni’s team advanced to the postseason for the third year in a row, and they’ll look to flip the switch in the NFC playoffs.

They face a familiar foe on the road when they travel to Tampa to face the 9-8 Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium without an injured A.J. Brown.

The most recent postseason meeting came just two years ago, in 2021, in Jalen Hurts’ first road playoff start; Tampa won 31-15.

With kickoff a little over eight hours away, here are six burning questions that must be answered.

Can Jalen Carter get re-energized

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Carter tied Derrick Burgess in 2001 for the second-most sacks (6.0) by an Eagles rookie, trailing only Corey Simon in 2000 (9.5).

His play has fallen off some down the stretch, but the defensive tackle from Georgia is one of the key pieces on an embattled unit.

Can Eagles pressure Baker Mayfield

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

In the four games Matt Patricia has called the defense, the Eagles had just six sacks, while watching their pressure rate decrease.

Even more concerning, Haason Reddick has gone without a sack and has appeared to split his time in coverage.

Bucaaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield only completed 49% of his passes with six touchdowns to two interceptions for a 76.0 passer rating when pressured this season, and it’ll be imperative for the Philadelphia defensive front to generate pressure organically, without sacrificing a defender in the passing game.

Will Eagles rely on D'Andre Swift?

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles hands off to D’Andre Swift #0 during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 25, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Swift logged 16 carries for 130 yards (season-high 8.1 yards per carry) in the Week 3 win over Tampa, and he hasn’t been over the 100 yard mark since.

With A.J. Brown ruled out, the Eagles could be best served leaning on a stout offensive line, and Swift’s ability to milk the clock.

Can Jalen Hurts beat the Blitz?

Sep 25, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

According to CBS Sports, Hurts completed 60.5% of passes when facing the blitz this season, registering six touchdowns to eight interceptions for a 74.1 rating (28th in NFL).

Tampa Bay blitz’s the third most of any team in the NFL(42.0%), and Hurts struggled to recongnize hot routes or make winning throws while facing pressure down the stretch.

How Hurts handles the pressure will greatly determine Philadelphia’s offensive success.

Can Julio Jones turn back the clock

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Julio Jones (80) catches a 12-yard touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

In his career, Jones has 114 receptions, 1,841 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns against Tampa Bay — most against any opponent he faced.

Monday night will mark Jones’ first postseason matchup against the Buccaneers, and with A.J. Brown ruled out, Jones turning back the clock could give the Eagles an advantage.

Can Darius Slay fix Eagles issues in secondary?

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) reacts after breaking up a pass play against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Slay will return to the lineup after missing four games, and will his presence bring some stability to a secondary that flamed out down the stretch?

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