It was not the start either team expected going into week one of the NFL season but it was the hand they were dealt. The Philadelphia Eagles fell into a 17-0 hole to the lowly regarded Jacksonville Jaguars, eventually turning things around in the second quarter. The Eagles went on to score 34 unanswered points and would win their seventh season opener in eight tries.
The Indianapolis Colts on the other hand fell to the Denver Broncos early and never recovered, falling 24-31. Andrew Luck did all he could to bring his team back, but the Bronco offense was just too high powered for the Colt defense to handle.
This Monday during primetime, the Eagles will head to Indianapolis to face a desperate Colts team that is looking to prove the doubters wrong. The Colts, who are actually three point favorites will be with out all-pro linebacker Robert Mathis, who was serving a four game suspension. He injured his achilles while training on his own away from the team and will miss the entire 2014 season.
On a team that doesnt feature many playmakers on defense, Mathis will be sorely missed in the pass rush. Looking at the numbers, the Colts gave up 5.6 yards per play on defense last season . That was the eighth worse average in the league. Mind you, that was with a healthy Robert Mathis, but I can’t see the Colts doing much of anything to improve on defense.
The Eagles have had their fair share of injuries as well, which may come as a surprise for a team that stayed pretty healthy last season outside of Jeremy Maclin. Offensive lineman Evan Mathis and guard Allen Barbre both suffered injuries in the Jaguars game that will force them to miss some time. After losing two line-man, the Eagles could use a break by not having to face last years sack leader. Last week, the Jags sacked Foles five times and forced two fumbles. The Colts outside lineman are some of the best in the league. Veteran Anthony Constanzo will have to carry the load for the Colts to protect Andrew Luck.
After Peyton Manning abused the Colts in the middle of the field, I expect more of the same from Nick Foles and the Eagles offense. The Colts rushing defense will struggle to maintain both Lesean McCoy and Darren Sproles. I expect second year tight end Zach Ertz to have a huge game against the Colts line backing core. Julius Thomas torched the Colts for three touchdowns and was alomst unstoppable. Ertz and Celek should have a field day against the Colts as well as McCoy rushing for at least 120 yards on the ground.
The key will be the Eagles defense stopping Andrew Luck and the aerial assault. Reggie Wayne is still a great reciever and T.Y. Hilton is emerging as a great wide out himself. Luck has a knack for the fourth quarter come back so an early lead is not safe when lining up against this offense. For most, these teams are evenly matched but I give a slight edge to the Eagles barring I am not sold on the Colts defense. If the same Eagles defense shows up that showed up for the last three quarters of the season opener, it may be a long night for the Colts.
I will not predict a score out of respect for Mr. Comeback, but let’s just conclude with this: ff the Eagles win, I wont be shocked. If the Eagles lose I wont be shocked.
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