The Eagles have moved on from the gut-wrenching loss in Atlanta, and are now focused on securing a home victory over the Detroit Lions. The Lions will counter with Matthew Stafford, who is still regarded as one of the best in the NFL at his position.
Philadelphia will face an improved Lions defense without wide receiver DeSean Jackson and question marks surrounding wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and tight end Dallas Goedert. With this being a must-win for both teams, here are four things to watch when the Eagles are on defense.
1. Eagles DC Jim Schwartz vs. Lions OC Darrell Bevell
Schwartz’s, the former Lions head coach, loves to attack and swarm with his defensive unit. The Eagles will look to get up the field and pressure the quarterback with their front seven. Schwartz blitzed Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan over a dozen times last week and could utilize the same strategy with Matt Stafford.
Look for Detroit to use the running game to contain Philadelphia’s pass rush, while hoping to open things up in the play-action pass.
2. Eagles CB Ronald Darby vs. Lions WR Kenny Golladay
Golladay is the Lions biggest wide receiver and will likely draw Darby instead of Marvin Jones. The 6-foot-4 Golladay could present a problem for Darby, who’s been picked on by opposing quarterbacks since returning from his torn ACL. Darby struggled last week when matched up against Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones.
3. Eagles DE Brandon Graham vs. Lions RT Rick Wagner
Graham has yet to record a sack but could be looking at a breakout game against Wagner, who has turned into one of the better right tackles in football. Wagner and the Lions offensive line didn’t give up a sack in week two against the LA Chargers and will look to produce similar results against an Eagles front that brings the pressure better than most teams in the NFL.
4. Eagles LB Nigel Bradham vs. Lions TE T.J. Hockenson
The Lions spent the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on tight end T.J. Hockenson, and he didn’t disappoint in his NFL debut, racking up six catches, 131 yards, one touchdown in a tie with the Arizona Cardinals. He looked more like a rookie in week two, registering just one catch for seven yards in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week. A Zach Ertz, Travis Kelce clone, Hockenson could present a formidable matchup for Nigel Bradham and the Eagles safeties. Bradham is one of the best in the NFL while in coverage, and could look for help when dealing Hockenson one-on-one.
