Philadelphia Eagles vs. Miami Dolphins game preview
Week 3 of the pre-season kicks off Thursday with the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Miami Dolphins. Coming in at 1-1, the Eagles will want to build off an impressive win against the Bills last week.
Miami Dolphins at the Philadelphia Eagles
When: Thursday, August 24th @ 7pm
The Eagles and Dolphins will face off at the Linc Thursday, after facing each other in joint practices all week. This will be the 3rd and most important pre-season game for both the Eagles and Dolphins as most and maybe all starters will sit for the final pre-season game. Coming off a nice win last week versus the Bills, the Eagles will look to defeat the Dolphins in the final tune-up game.
The Eagles defense looked fantastic against the Bills first-team offense, forcing Tyrod Taylor into 2 interceptions and finishing the game going for 53 yards on 8-for-18 passing. Former Bill and newest Eagle Ron Darby intercepted Taylor on a fantastic play where he played the ball better than Bills wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
Expect the Eagles starters to play into the 3rd quarter this week focusing on getting the running game going. With rumors of Blount possibly getting released, it feels like the back field is up for grabs. Thursday night should be the game a runner cements a starting position.
Get traded, get an interception.
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2017
We see you, @realronalddarby! 👀#BUFvsPHI https://t.co/HOUEd1TORj
What to watch on Offense
Who is going to take the reins in the back field? After a week of rumors that LeGarrette Blount could be released and the pipe dream of a Kendricks for Shady trade, the Eagles seem to be content with their backfield. Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson said LeGarrette Blount will be “a big part of our offense.” “The guy’s a beast of a runner,” the coach added.
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It looks like coach Peterson plans to begin the season with Blount as his starter and short-yardage back. Wendell Smallwood is reportedly coming back from his injury that has kept him out of the previous two pre season games thus far. Smallwood has an opportunity to vulture touches from Blount and the other runners with an impressive performance against the Fins.
Corey Clement, the Eagles’ leading rusher, looks to be working his way into the conversation to make this team. The Dolphins allowed 141 yards on the ground last week versus the Ravens and 113 yards rushing against the Falcons in week 1. Clement has looked the most impressive thus far among running backs, but we will have to watch who gets the bulk of the carries in the most important pre season game.
Who to watch on Offense
This may be obvious, but this is the week to keep a close eye on Carson Wentz. Fans and coaches are expecting a big leap for Wentz, who is entering his second season and Wentz has only thrown the ball 13 times this pre season for 112 yards.
This will be Wentz and the rest of the offenses dress rehearsal, a unit that should play into the 3rd quarter and will want to score as many times as possible. With limited time on the field together, the #1’s will want to look crisp and ready for the Redskins week 1.
What to watch on Defense
The Philadelphia Eagles will be facing gun-slinger Jay Cutler and a potent Miami offense on Thursday, and this will be a fantastic test for the new-look Eagles secondary. The Eagles held Bills quarterbacks to 272 yards on 53 attempts, a 51.1 quarterback rating and recorded 3 interceptions.
Cutler, Stills, Jarvis Landy and Devante Parker will be a tough match-up for the Eagles secondary but this will be the week to iron out the details and have an idea of how the depth chart will shake out in the secondary. This is the week who coaches and fans will want to shine to determine who will play the most come week 1.
Who to watch on Defense
Derek Barnett has wreaked havoc in his first two professional games. Barnett has 6 tackles, 3 sacks and 4 quarterback hits in limited snaps thus far in pre season. Pederson said “Barnett is day-to-day to return to action. Pederson said last Friday that the plan was to get Barnett early work in this Thursday’s game against the Dolphins, something which could be at risk if the injury lingers into the week.”
If Barnett isn’t ready to go on Thursday than Ronald Darby should have the spotlight on him. Darby seemed to validate the Jordan Matthews trade within minutes after intercepting Tyrod Taylor and will look to cement his starting position Thursday. With 2 passes defended, Darby looked comfortable in this Jim Schwartz defense and with solid play against the Dolphins receivers Darby should be set to start come week 1.
Laying Odds
Last week I went 1 for 2 on my picks making me 3-1 on the year as i correctly picked the under of 39. 5. I just missed out on the line, picking the Eagles to win by 4.5 but they only won by 4. This week I will take the Dolphins +3.5 and the over of 42.
I am just not sure what the Philadelphia Eagles offense will be bringing this week. Carson Wentz has only thrown the ball 13 times this pre season and the running game has been a huge question mark. I have a feeling Jay Cutler will want to sling the ball around the field and if they score a couple of times early I don’t see the Eagles starters on offense trying to play catch up. I can see a couple touchdowns for each team thus getting over 42 points.
This game will be featured on NFL Network, showing a bigger audience what the Eagles will be bringing this year. Give me the Fins +3.5 and the over.
Fantasy Spin
If you haven’t checked out my newest fantasy football article, click here. This post has in-depth rankings to get you set for your fantasy draft as well has a highlight on Eagles players.
Next: How good is the defensive line?
Can LeGarrette Blount look like an RB1?!?! Currently i have Blount ranked as my RB12 in fantasy drafts. This is scaring me, if Wendell Smallwood looks good and/or Corey Clement looks good i will start to worry about Blount, Especially if he has another quiet night. I will be happy if i see Blount hurdle a guy, get 10 carries for 50 yards and falls into the end-zone on a 1 yard TD. The Blount we are all hoping to see this season in fantasy land.