Eagles schedule preview: Detroit Lions

When and where: Week 3, Philadelphia

Last season: 6-10. Offense: Scoring: 25th, Yards: 24th, DVOA: 23rd; Defense: Scoring: 16th, Yards 10th, DVOA: 28th

Notable additions: Danny Amendola, CJ Anderson, Justin Coleman, Trey Flowers, Jesse James, Jermaine Kearse, OC Jim Bob Cooter

Notable losses: Ziggy Ansah, OC Darrell Bevell

What are they good at?

Hiring bad coaches. The Lions went 9-7 in back to back years before hiring Matt Patricia to change the culture and give him credit, he did. Detroit went 6-10, and Patricia grabbed headlines all year, a stark contrast to Jim Caldwell’s existence. He caught heat for, among other things, a sexual assault indictment that came to light after he was hired, practicing in the snow to toughen up players before they played four straight games in a dome, criticizing a reporter for posture during a press conference, only showing up to said press conferences on time once, and being consistently late to team meetings. What a leader.

What are they bad at?

By any measure the Lions offense stunk last year, but there’s reason to believe that won’t be the case this year. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell should be an upgrade over Jim Bob Cooter, and there’s talent in the passing game with Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, and TJ Hockenson.

Why the Eagles will win

They’re the better team, from top to bottom, and the last time Doug Pederson went up against Matt Patricia, Pederson’s backup QB won Super Bowl MVP.

Why the Eagles will lose

Are you ready for the dreaded TRAP GAME? There’s elements to one here. The weeks before and after this game are road prime time games for the Eagles against the Falcons and Packers. In between they host the Lions at 1:00pm. If you’re looking for a game where the Eagles sleep on their opponents, this could be it.