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Take advantage.
That is the theme for today's Eagles-Packers game. Aaron Rodgers is out. He has only missed one other start than today dating back to 2008. It's a rare opportunity. The Eagles need to seize the opportunity.
As always in the NFL, it probably won't be easy. Rodgers may be out, but the team will look to rally around that weakness. Veteran Seneca Wallace, with a full week of practice under him, will be prepared to manage the game. Packers coach Mike McCarthy will aim to make Wallace as effective as possible. This could mean taking the ball out of Wallace's control and handing it off to running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks. The Packers rushing attack will look to step up in Rodgers' absence.
On defense, Clay Matthews returns. Although a vital piece of Green Bay's defense, Matthews will be limited to an extent due to the protective cast on his hand. The Packers have played good run defense this season, so it will be interesting to see if the Eagles can get their ground game going. If not, it's up to Nick Foles to execute. Chip Kelly may not orchestrate the kind of offensive explosion in the Eagles' victory over the Oakland Raiders, but he should be able to guide Foles into a solid outing at the least.
It's time for the Eagles to step up and prove if they are serious NFC East contenders. Washington lost to the Vikings on Thursday Night Football and dropped to a 3-6 record. The 5-4 Dallas Cowboys face the Saints in New Orleans, and that could be a tough match-up for them. An Eagles victory elevates the team to a .500 record (5-5) and moves them one step closer to claiming the division lead.
Will the Eagles be able to take advantage?
Suggested format:
Score prediction:
Bold prediction:
My predictions:
Score prediction: 30-20, Eagles win.
Bold prediction: The Eagles score a defensive touchdown. It would be the first of their season.
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