The Philadelphia Eagles will travel to Lambeau Field on Thursday night, to face the Packers in a must-win game for the Birds, who can’t afford to fall any further behind the Cowboys in the standings. With Alshon Jeffery and Dallas Goedert back for the Eagles, here are four things to watch when the Birds have the ball.
1. Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery vs. Packers CB Jaire Alexander
The matchup of the week, Alexander has become one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, while Jeffery is a man among boys at times on the outside. Jeffery is returning after playing only six snaps in Week 2 and sitting out Week 3, and he’ll be needed against The Packers deep secondary that includes, Alexander and Kevin King, with veteran Tramon Williams rotating in. Rookie safety Darnell Savage, a first-round pick, is a stud as well.
2. Eagles LT Jason Peters, RT Lane Johnson vs. Packers LBs Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith
The Smith’s have been wrecking the league through three weeks and the Eagles two bookend tackles must protect Carson Wentz. Green Bay invested heavily on defense during free agency, signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith to huge free-agent contracts. They’ve racked up 7.5 combined sacks thus far.
3. Jordan Howard-Miles Sanders vs. Packer ILB Blake Martinez-Ty Summers
The Eagles will need to free up Carson Wentz for passing windows and that space will only come after a renewed focus on the run to start the game. Green Bay has surrendered 131 rushing yards per game (25th in the NFL) and 4.9 yards per carry (26th), while only giving up 35 points through three weeks.
Last week, the Denver Broncos had success up the middle against the Packers last week with Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, and Philadelphia could really benefit from a heavy dose of Jordan Howard early on. Sanders will have to hit the hole and get yards early on.
4. Doug Pederson-Mike Groh vs. Packers DC Mike Pettine
The Eagles offense broke the streak of slow starts last week against the Lions, scoring 10 points in the first quarter. Mike Pettine is the Packers defensive coordinator, and he has a once-maligned group performing as the best in the NFL currently. Carson Wentz and the 1-2 Eagles will try to figure out Mike Pettine’s “positionless” defense Thursday night when they visit Lambeau Field. The Packers have allowed just 35 points in the first three games while leading the NFL with eight takeaways and 12 sacks. Pederson and Groh will need to establish the run early on, as the Packers have shown a penchant to be soft up the middle on certain run plays. Carson Wentz cannot be exposed to such a violent pass rush, and the screen game will need to be a part of the offensive packages.
