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Game Prediction: Eagles (1-0) VS Buccaneers (1-0)

90 degrees, very humid and just the sort of weather you would expect from Tampa Bay while summer isn't officially over. That is what the Philadelphia Eagles will be dealing with on Sunday as they take the field against the Buccaneers for the first time since 2013. You may remember in 2013 before that game there was concern because of a MRSA outbreak in the Buccaneers locker room. Thankfully, only blistering heat and Tampa's suddenly powerful offense will separate the Eagles from a 2-0 start going into a week where optimism is skyrocketing that 25 year old starting quarterback Carson Wentz will be ready to go next week. That has yet to be determined however and it is still Nick Foles' offense to command for another week.

The Eagles biggest strength coming into this week will be their stalwart front seven; which sacked Matt Ryan four times and held one of the most powerful offenses in the NFL to under 300 yards, one touchdown, one turnover and only 1/5 in the red zone in terms of how many touchdowns were allowed. The defense all had a strong showing from their secondary, if you take out the numbers that Julio Jones put up, they allowed just 82 yards through the air. This will be key as Mike Evans is still a top wide out in the NFL and as of Friday, DeSean Jackson was a full participant in practice. Jackson, an Eagle killer since he left the team, is listed as questionable. My guess is that he will suit up against his former team and be matched up with our speedy cornerback Ronald Darby. Meanwhile, Tampa's running game will be key for them to get going as the NFL saw last Thursday just how hard it is to beat this Eagles defense if the running game is not there. The Buccaneers only rushed for 3.3 YPC in the game. Granted they ran it 34 times for 112 yards, but they were able to run the ball that much because they were in the lead for almost all of the game. If the Eagles stifle the run early and take the lead, it could make the Bucs one-dimensional which plays right into Jim Schwartz' hands.

Ryan Fitzpatrick had the game of his life going 21/28 for 417 yards, four touchdowns and a QB rating of 156.3, make no mistake about what Fitzpatrick is... he's a journeyman. But as much of a journeyman as he may be, he is still lethal and can make you pay if you can't get to him. Despite the fact I believe he won't duplicate what he did last Sunday he is still a capable QB when you give him optimal conditions.

Nick Foles and the offense will have to play significantly better against the Buccaneers. They have the ability to do this as Tampa's defense was one of the worst defenses in week one. Saints QB Drew Brees was sacked just once and after talking to some fans over at Canal Street Chronicles, it sounds like the Buccaneers defensive line never mustered much of a pass rush on Brees at all. The Eagles offensive line is the best in the NFL, stopping the pass rush this week is very key because Tampa's linebacking corps is up there as one of the more talented ones in the league. The Saints rushed for just 43 yards on 13 carries last week which is good for 3.3 YPC, the same as Tampa's. In a game that will be dictated by the heat, having firm control of time of possession will be necessary for the Eagles offense. This means pounding the ball with the run, THEY ARE CAPABLE OF DOING THIS EVEN WITHOUT DARREN SPROLES.

Foles' passing game though will be the true decider to this game. The Buccaneers are missing BOTH of their top cornerbacks for Sunday. Vernon Hargreaves III and Brent Grimes are out for this matchup. This leaves rookies Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart to deal with the Eagles weakened but still formidable receiving corps in Mike Wallace, Nelson Agholor and the tight end nightmare in Zach Ertz.

The weakened secondary added with the flat pass rush that could be missing Jason Pierre-Paul (who at the very least will definitely not be at 100% on Sunday) gives the Eagles the advantage in this matchup. I expect Nick Foles to be much better this week in a stadium where he has had success. More importantly, I expect the Eagles right side of their offensive line to create big play potential for Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement, while the left side and center Jason Kelce are able to hold off Gerald McCoy and former Eagle and Super Bowl Champion Vinny Curry. Flip the sides to the Eagles defensive line, coming off a contest which they made life for Matt Ryan miserable in the second half, if the Eagles defense is able to get off the field when they have to and stay fresh against this Tampa Bay offensive line, they will be able to make life for Ryan Fitzpatrick absolutely miserable as well.

Championship teams win tough contests and the weather plus the offensive potency of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes them a tough opponent, but don't forget a very important fact: The Eagles are just as nasty if not more nasty up front then any other team in the league and have as much talent as any team in the NFL.

Prediction:

Philadelphia Eagles 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16

Eagles move to 2-0, let's get the hell out of Florida.