We’re about 48 hours from the start of the 2022 NFL regular season, as the Philadelphia Eagles will travel to Detroit to take on an ascending Lions team featured on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ this summer.
The Eagles retooled defense will challenge Detroit’s offense as quarterback Jared Goff looks to prove that he can lead the organization through a rebuild.
On defense, rookie pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson will look to elevate the Lions’ pass rush and get after quarterback Jalen Hurts.
With the season opener fast approaching, here are five matchups to watch on defense.
Eagles CB James Bradberry vs. Lions WR DJ Chark
A big physical receiver, Chark, usually would be Darius Slay’s matchup to follow around, but with James Bradberry on the roster, Philadelphia has choices.
Bradberry and Chark should be entertaining.
Eagles DT Cox,Hargrave, Davis vs. Lions guards Drew Forbes, Jonah Jackson,Tommy Kraemer
Tommy Kraemer and Frank Ragnow have yet to log a practice this week, meaning Jonah Jackson and Drew Forbes are players to watch against the Eagles’ trio of defensive tackles.
Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Eagles SCB Avonte Maddox , Josiah Scott, CJ Gardner-Johnson
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a target monster, and his matchup in the slot against Avonte Maddox, Josiah Scott, if available, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson will be something to watch.
St. Brown caught 90 passes on 119 targets in 2021, and Detroit’s best option will be to target the wide receiver from the slot.
Lions Tackles Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker vs. Eagles Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat
Sewell will be a star, and he’ll give Reddick, Josh Sweat, and Brandon Graham all they can handle on the edge.
Eagles S Marcus Epps vs. Lions TE T.J. Hockenson
Philadelphia could put WILL linebacker Kyzir White on Detroit’s talented tight end, although Epps and Hockenson are familiar with the matchup from 2021.
A hit from Epps knocked the Lions’ tight end out of the game.
