Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles Trying to Play Spoiler in Baltimore

Trying to end a four-game losing streak on Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles will look to bounce back on the road in Baltimore.

Falling just short a week ago against Washington, Doug Pederson‘s team will look to spoil a possible playoff chance for the Ravens who sit 7-6. Rookie QB Carson Wentz played well a week ago, but missed opportunities and silly penalties by the team cost the Eagles a chance over an N.F.C. East foe.

Baltimore, who are a game behind Pittsburgh in the A.F.C. North division race is coming off a tough 30-23 road loss in New England last Monday night.

Defense has always been a strength in Ravens teams of the past, and this season is no different. Ranked fourth in the league in points against (18.2), and first in rushing yards allowed per game (75.5) proves they are a force to be reckoned with.

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Quarterback Joe Flacco is still a threat in the pocket, throwing for 3,582 yards and 17 touchdowns so far this year. Runningback Terrance West (652 yards, five scores) leads the backfield, while veterans Mike Wallace (903 yards, four scores) and Steve Smith Sr. (646 yards, three scores) lead the receiving core.

Tight-end Dennis Pitta (547 yards, two scores) provides a safety blanket for Flacco, also helping in the blocking game. Linebackers Zachary Orr (122 total tackles) and C.J. Mosley (59 total tackles) provide the aggressiveness in the middle of the defense. Outside backer Terrell Suggs (eight sacks) and defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (five sacks) are nightmares for the opposing quarterback.

With a physical showdown coming tomorrow in Baltimore, here are my three things to watch.

1.) Offensive Line NEEDS to be main priority.
Throughout most of this season, the offensive line has been a major issue. Against a physical front-seven tomorrow, the offensive line needs to play their best football to protect their young quarterback. Carson Wentz is the future of this team, and is already expected to start for the Eagles for the remainder of this season. To protect the future of the team, tight-ends and runningbacks might have to put in more work blocking than in weeks past. Wentz has been sacked 30 times this season, and he will need to remain off the ground for the Eagles to have a chance tomorrow.

2.) Missed tackles and assignments need to be cleaned up.
Another issue with the team is their lack of consistency on defense. Joe Flacco is a good quarterback, but he can be forced off his game by pressure. With 12 interceptions so far, Flacco has been known to make some silly decisions with the ball. Jim Schwartz‘s defense needs to make the right plays against a good wide receiving core, and most important need to play smart. Mental breakdowns can cost a team points and the result, and the Eagles will need to play composed to have a chance to win. Look for a lot of double coverage on either starting wideout tomorrow.

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3.) Player to Watch — Mike Wallace.
The former 2009 third-round pick has done a superb job this season for Baltimore. He is on pace for 1,100 yards and has averaged 52 yards a game since Week 5. With some younger receivers still trying to find their place in the offense, Wallace and Smith have done better than expected for this offense. He is a deep-ball threat than can stretch the field for the good of the team. He has been able to find the end-zone in his team’s wins more than defeats, and should be on-notice tomorrow. Look for Leodis McKelvin and Nolan Carroll to both see time with Wallace tomorrow.

For the Eagles to end the season on a positive note, they need a win. It could do wonders for team morale and momentum with two N.F.C. East games left to close the campaign.

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