The 1-1 Philadelphia Eagles will host the 1-0-1 Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, in a game that could have lasting ramifications for both teams. With the Cowboys and Packers off to fast starts, it’ll be imperative for both clubs to stay within striking distance.
With the Eagles banged-up and likely to be without several key players, here are 4 things to watch when Philadelphia has the football.
1. Jason Kelce vs. Damon “Snacks” Harrison
The Eagles struggled to run last week against a Falcons defense that had given up 172 rushing yards to the Vikings in Week 1. Philadelphia averaged 2.3 yards per carry against Atlanta and the upgraded running game will now deal with Snacks Harrison. Through two games the Lions have allowed 124.5 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry. They’re also giving up 5.4 yards per carry on first down. It’ll be imperative for Kelce and the Eagles interior offensive line to control Harrison, who can take over a game.
Harrison will combine with Trey Flowers, Mike Daniels, A’Shawn Robinson, and Romeo Okwara, to form a formidable lineup.
2. Agholor, Arcega-Whiteside vs. Darius Slay
The Lions have the league’s eighth-best opponent passer rating (74.4) and have given up just two passing touchdowns on the season. They are fourth in opponent completion percentage (55.6) and Darius Slay plays a huge part in the that. A true shut down corner, Slay will shadow his opponent, or he could take away one side of the field. Agholor and Arcega-Whiteside will be pushed into huge roles due to injuries, and they’ll have to produce. In week one with Alson Jeffery and DeSean Jackson, Wentz posting a 122.0 passer rating against Washington and completing 12 of 13 passes on third down for 199 yards and three TDs. Last week, without Jeffery and Jackson, he completed just 6 of 16 passes with 2 interceptions in the first half, before rallying in the second half.
3. Zach Ertz vs. Lions safety Tracy Walker
Walker currently leads the NFL with 16 solo tackles and is tied for the League-lead for most tackles by a defensive back with 19 thru Week 2. Walker compiled 9 tackles in Week 1 and accumulated 10 more stops in a 13-10 win over the San Diego Chargers in Week 2. The former third-round pick and the rising star is more of a run stopper, but definitely, a guy that Carson Wentz and Zach Ertz must account for in the passing game.
4. Miles Sanders-Jordan Howard vs. MLB Jarrad Davis -Jahlani Tavai
Davis returned to Lions practice Wednesday after missing last week’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Davis has not played since injuring his ankle in Week 3 of the preseason, but he could make his debut Sunday against the Eagles. Last season, Davis, led the Lions with 100 tackles and had a career-high six sacks and is expected to regain his starting role at middle linebacker. Last week, Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones terrorized the Eagles, leading to Philadelphia’s less than 3 yards per carry average.
rookie second-round pick Jahlani Tavai, who has started the past two games in Davis’ place, racking up nine tackles and has played well overall in his first two NFL games. With the Eagles missing DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery, it’ll be imperative for the running game to develop some form of consistency.
