The Philadelphia Eagles are in Green Bay on Thursday night, for a must-win matchup against the undefeated Green Bay Packers. The 1-2 Eagles can’t afford to fall three games back of the Cowboys and would feel relieved, hosting the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field in week five, with a record of 2-2.
With Aaron Rodgers and company hoping to click on all cylinders, here are four things to watch when the Eagles are on defense.
1. Fletcher Cox-Hassan Ridgeway vs. Packers C Corey Linsley, LG Elgton Jenkins
Cox is still working his way back into dominant form after missing the bulk of the offseason with a foot injury. The Packers’ can be pressured up the middle and need Cox to collapse the pocket around Corey Linsley and Elgton Jenkins. Pressuring Aaron Rodgers up the middle is a huge key to the Eagles getting off the field on 3rd downs.
2. Eagles DC Jim Schwartz vs. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
Under first-year coach Matt LaFleur, the Packers offense isn’t on pace to set franchise records, but they have been efficient while implementing the running game as well. Schwartz will dial back the pressure on Thursday night, electing to keep Rodgers in the pocket, where he’s less dangerous.
3. Derek Barnett vs. Packers LT David Bakhtiari
The Eagles need better output off of the edger from both Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett. With Fletcher Cox still working himself back into his All-Pro form, pressure off the edge is crucial for the Birds to be successful on Thursday night. Barnett had six quarterback hits in the first two games, but the Eagles need to sack the quarterback and provide more help to an already ailing secondary. Barnett will have to assert himself against the Packers All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari.
4. Eagles CBs vs. Packers WR Davante Adams
Adams has yet to explode for the Packers this season, but he’s got the perfect secondary heading to Lambeau and could put on a show Thursday night if the Eagles aren’t prepared. Rasul Douglas and Sidney Jones will man the corners on Thursday night, and both have played better than Ronald Darby when inserted into the ballgame. Adams is one of the top wideouts in the NFL and has 35 touchdowns over the past three seasons. Adams has been targeted only 21 times through three games, but expect that number to rise against the Eagles secondary.
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