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Eagles Schedule (Pre-Draft Preview)

We all do it in our heads or take out a notebook and do it on paper. Predicting the season record once the schedule comes out. When I was younger I used to fill up notebooks with fake Eagles schedule's and do what I called "predictions" where I would take a dice and roll it to determine the Eagles game. For example, Eagles vs Cowboys, Eagles roll a five, Cowboys roll and three... take the numbers and multiply them by 7 (this really helped my table times tables) and you see the Eagles win 35-21.

This off-season is a bit better going into the draft for the Eagles because unlike last year the team is healthier, I include Carson because after listening to Geoff Mosher and Adam Caplan where he's at in recovery is just fine, and the team on paper improved offensively. So I want to take a moment just to very briefly approach each game and after the draft and all that is settled I'll want to do my "predictions" for what the season entails.

Week 1: VS Washington- Washington has done nothing to improve their offensive situation. This isn't great when you have to play the Eagles and Cowboys four times. Case Keenum is the definition of a stop-gap QB for this squad that was rolling out Josh Johnson in week 17, this does nothing to inspire confidence as of now. Defensively they have improved with Landon Collins but lost some depth in the linebacking corps, I don't know what to make of their front seven but my guess is it will be middle of the road for next season. This is a game the Eagles should win even if the Redskins make it a little interesting

Week 2: AT Atlanta- Atlanta faced a similar situation the Eagles did last year. Early injuries and regression from key players both offensively and defensively doomed this squad as they were really never able to turn things around after the 1-4 start to the season. I continue to believe the main difference between the Eagles and Falcons is coaching, Doug Pederson is 3-0 against Dan Quinn but has never had to play him in Atlanta where they get artificially loud. Eagles should be favored in this game and I don't think they'll lose this one either. 28-3 is not just a meme, I believe it ruined this core.

Week 3: VS Detroit- Matt Stafford is probably going through something much worse than he could ever experience in football with his wife's health situation. I want to take this moment to say I wish the Stafford's love and health at this time, Matt has always seemed like a good man and by all photos has a beautiful family. As for the rest of the Lions they aren't a terrible team but I don't imagine this team will be built very well to take on the NFL's best like Philadelphia or Green Bay. Still too soon to tell about Matt Patricia but the lack of offensive weapons must be addressed in the draft. Philly should win.

Week 4: AT Green Bay- Nothing to say here, limited prep time for Aaron Rodgers and you're in Lambeau? This is an expected loss.

Week 5: VS NY Jets- The Jets improved with Le'Veon and signing CJ Moseley just to name a few players they've added. The expectation for the Jets is to be a wildcard team. Still, Sam Darnold going up against a Super Bowl winning defense and the most hostile crowd in the NFL has me thinking the Eagles grind this one out.

Week 6: AT Minnesota- The Vikings completely collapsed last year like the Panthers and Steelers did. Kirk Cousins was not the savior they envisioned and more importantly the defense regressed enough where they no longer struck fear into anyone's hearts. There are two directions for this team: bounce back and go on a great 2019-2020 run... or sink into mediocrity spelling the end of Mike Zimmer. This draft will be crucial for Minnesota, as for Philly we will see if they can solve Kirk's historically good play against the guys in green.

Week 7: At Dallas- I for one am confused on what Dallas will be this year. I have had them pegged the last two years with what I predicted their record to be but ultimately the defense just doesn't scare me as much as it did last year. I expect Dak to grow with Amari as his number one wideout but I get this feeling that there will be a lot of shots in the foot for this team. Philly is the more talented team but I thought the same thing as last year, so I know nothing.

Week 8: AT Buffalo- Buffalo did not improve as much as their in-state rival did. The Bills need a new feature back as Shady ages and declines. This also includes a very average to bad receiving corps that just won't help a second year QB who showed flashes of potential but was too handicapped by his teams ineptitude. John Brown was a decent acquisition but Cole Beasley was given starting wideout money that I'm just unsure if it's justified. If the Eagles have a chance to get a winning record on this three game road trip... they will probably win this one to make them 2-1.

Week 9: VS Chicago- The Bears' expectation after a 12-4 campaign will be to repeat that record potentially and go deep into the playoffs. They will have to rely on Trubisky a lot more than just going to Tarik Cohen. The Bears saw more important faces leave then they did see come in. They replaced Adrian Amos with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix... is this improvement? ehhh I argue I'd want Amos more but Clinton-Dix is no slouch himself. They also added return man Cordarrelle Patterson which could mean less return opportunities for Cohen now. Again, Eagles have the capabilities to win this one so long as the O-line protects Wentz.

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: VS New England- The Patriots big name acquisitions include Michael Bennett, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Demaryius Thomas. The Patriots lost some key players like Chris Hogan, Gronk, Malcom Brown and Trey Flowers but this team has a history of replacing lost players with just as solid depth guys that keep this team moving. They matchup quite well with the Eagles given Belichick's defensive schemes but the Eagles versatility will give them an opportunity to win.

Week 12: VS Seattle- Russell Wilson's four year extension with Seattle brought a smile to my face because it just keeps him away from any of Washington, Dallas or New York. This is a dragon the Eagles really need to slay because they have not beaten Wilson ever in a game and haven't beaten the Seahawks since 2008. I don't know if there is going to be better opportunity to slay the Seahawks then at home and with a MUCH improved team defensively (assuming the draft goes well). By this point if you are unsure I expect the Eagles to be 7-4 or 8-3.

Week 13: AT Miami- Miami is officially embracing the tank and going for that Clemson QB or maybe the guy from Alabama next year. Eagles should win this one and a loss would be eye popping.

Week 14: VS NY Giants- Gone is Odell Beckahm Jr. and Oliver Vernon, staying is Eli Manning and in is Golden Tate. This team is at a crossroad and I just don't know what David Gettleman's vision is. The defense is undoubtedly weaker as of right now. They replaced Landon Collins with... Antoine Bethea? Corey Coleman is also a New York Giant, so their receiving corps is Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard and Corey Coleman with a still barely improved offensive line. There's not much else to say. Eagles should win the home game at least.

Week 15: AT Washington- Refer to my week 1 view of this team. Eagles could very well sweep the Skins given just how much better the Eagles are in almost ever position... but it's a rivalry game and this team won't want a six-game losing streak hanging over them with the Eagles heading into 2020-2021.

Week 16: VS Dallas- Philly's schedule the final two months of the season really looks good when you take into consideration they have five very winnable games in December and just a three game month of November. Eagles should be feeling fresh and ready to go against Dallas. I do think if they split with Dallas they will at least win the home game.

Week 17: AT NY Giants: I have the Eagles at 11-5 or 12-4. They may lose this game because if the Eagles know where they stand seeding wise they will just trot out second team guys.

Record: 11-5, 2nd or 3rd seed