The 3-4 Philadelphia Eagles will be flying over to London this week to face off against the defensively-stout Jacksonville Jaguars.
Philadelphia is coming off their most disappointing loss of the season, where they blew a 17-0 lead enter into the fourth quarter versus the Carolina Panthers. Ultimately, the Eagles would never bounce-back from surrendering the led and would go on to lose to the Panthers 21-17. This loss at home was so heart breaking, Eagles All-Pro Defensive Tackle Fletcher Cox called it “the worst loss” of his life.
The Eagles will look to get back on track this week against the anemic Jacksonville Jaguars who possess an offense that has scored combine 14 points in their last two contests. Furthermore, they rank 29th in the league in scoring, averaging an underwhelming 16.6 points per game.
Seriously, what a difference a year can make in the Nation Football League. Going into this season, both these team were heavily favorited by NFL analysts to be contenders to reach the Super Bowl. Given the fact that these teams almost played each other in Super Bowl 52 and retain majority of their respected rosters. Nevertheless, each franchise is under performing which the 3-4 records represent.
The Eagles have not been capable of running a consist offense. Injuries may have contributed to the dysfunction and lack of chemistry this offense has demonstrated, especially in the running game. The Eagles rushing attack ranks twenty-first in the entire NFL. Poor results may correlate to starting running back Jay Ajayi being placed on injury reserve. Therefore, effectively ending his season.
Additionally, 35-year-old veteran running back Darren Sproles has battled injuries all season that have kept him out since opening night versus the Falcons. With this in mind, there is zero room for mistakes and miscommunications this week. Significantly because of the astronomical talent staring at them from across the other sideline this Sunday.
Jacksonville ranks ninth in points allowed this season. Not to mention, this team has lockdown cornerback play from All-Pros Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. This dangerous tandem is responsible for the Jags being 1st against the pass and 2nd in total yards allowed in 2018. Whereas, the Eagles rank twenty-fourth against the pass and fourteenth in total yards allowed.
However, the Eagles truly hold the advantage regarding quarterback play. Blake Bortles is simply not in the same stratosphere as Carson Wentz. Blake Bortles has thrown an alarming eight interceptions to go along with his two fumbles lost. Hence, Bortles being known as a turnover machine throughout his career as the Jags’ franchise quarterback. On the other hand, Wentz does not give-up the ball to the opposing defense. In Carson’s first five games after returning from surgery to recover a torn ACL and LCL, he has only thrown one interception. In addition, Carson has already thrown ten touchdowns.
As a result, that is a two passing touchdown per-game average. Bortles in his seven starts under center has only tossed-in nine touchdowns. Carson’s continued momentum and unique play style might be the difference in this game.
Even though, the Eagles offense has struggled at very crucial parts in the year, Wentz statistical is having his best season of his young career. In just five games, he has completed 70 percent of his throws. Coupled with, passing for over 1500 yards, and a quarterback rating of 108.1.
Carson’s stats are impressively because he is throwing to two reliable pass-catchers: tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Ertz and Jeffery are both having outstanding start to their season. Ertz is second in the league in catches with 57 receptions to go along with leading all tight ends in yards with 618. Jeffery is leading the team in touchdowns with 4 in 4 games. Look for Carson to get his weapons involved early.
Kickoff is set for Sunday, at 9:30 AM eastern time at Wembley Stadium.