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When the NFL schedule came out this offseason, many speculated that the Eagles would have a tough time collecting wins. One of Philadelphia's biggest tests on paper is in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos, that features a special offense and a strong pass rush on defense. However, over the last few weeks, the Broncos have looked a lot less scary.
Denver's biggest issues come from the suspension of Von Miller. The punishment for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy will reportedly be at least six games, which means it will keep Miller out of the Week 4 meeting with the Eagles. That is huge because last year's number two pass rusher Elvis Dumervil is no longer on the Denver roster. Over the last two seasons, Miller and Dumervil have been mainstays on the stat sheet when it comes to sacks.
Another issue the Broncos are currently dealing with is the health of Wes Welker and Champ Bailey. While Welker isn't expected to miss much time with his injury, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Bailey could be out for quite some time with a foot sprain. Bailey is older but he is still the Broncos' top secondary player. If he is unable to go in Week 4 with the Denver's lack of pass rush, whoever the Eagles' quarterback is at the time, will have time to throw. It will also take a lot of pressure off the run game.
So while nothing is set in stone, the Broncos' roster woes are worth following over the next few weeks. Week 4 is more than six weeks away, but the Miller suspension and Bailey injury are not going anywhere, anytime soon. Also, keep in mind that Philadelphia will be coming off ten days of rest because of their Thursday night game against the Chiefs. Still, The Eagles will need all the help they can get, with a matchup that features Peyton Manning, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas.