The Philadelphia Eagles (0-2) host the Bengals (0-2) in a game that is now must-win for the reigning NFC East champions. The Eagles will face a young Bengals team looking for a statement win and some of the most intriguing matchups in today’s game will take place with Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati offense have the ball.
With the kickoff, just moments away, here are three matchups to watch when the Bengals have the ball.
***
1. Avonte Maddox vs. Bengals bigger WR’s
The Bengals’ top two receivers are A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. While Darius Slay will account for one of them on every play, the Eagles will look towards Avonte Maddox to play second fiddle against a much larger opponent. Boyd, who spends a good amount of time in the slot, is the Bengals’ leading receiver with 11 catches for 105 yards.
At 6’2, and over 200 pounds, Boyd, A.J. Green, or Tee Higgins could all give Maddox and Nickell Robey-Coleman problems.
2. The Eagles’ red-zone defense vs. Joe Mixon
The Eagles have struggled in the red zone through two weeks, allowing 7 of 9 opponents inside the 20-yard line to become touchdowns. The Eagles were gashed on the ground by the Rams in Week 2 and Joe Mixon awaits.
3. Jim Schwartz vs. Joe Burrow
The Bengals are 0-2, but Burrow has looked really good at times and the team looks confident around him. In Week 2, Burrow threw for over 300 yards and 3 TDs in a competitive loss. The Eagles played well in 2019 against rookie signal-callers and they’ll need to batter Burrow all afternoon.
Schwartz took the blame for the Rams debacle and will need to call a better game.
