Philadelphia Eagles: Three last second Week 1 predictions
By David Esser
Washington wins the battle in the trenches.
As good as I feel about Cox having a great day getting to Dwayne Haskins, I feel even worse about the Philadelphia Eagles chances against Washington’s defensive line.
Even prior to the addition of standout rookie DE Chase Young, Washington boasted one of the deepest defensive line groups in all of football. While it had never really dominated games the way one would expect, the additions of Young and Ron Rivera at HC have them primed to be one of the better pass rushing teams in the league this season.
Normally, I wouldn’t feel too concerned about a team with a good D-Line due to the Eagles elite offensive line unit. However, due to a rash amount of injuries, and an overall lack of depth, it’s looking like Washington has their number in this one.
Andre Dillard and Brandon Brooks are both out and Lane Johnson is battling an ankle injury that has plagued him since last season. The Eagles primary backup at OT is also Jordan Mailata, who has never logged an NFL snap in two full seasons. Washington knows all this, and will look to send waves of rushers at Carson Wentz all afternoon long.
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Winning the battle for the trenches has long dictated the final outcome of games, and while I do think Washington will finish the game with more team sacks, I still believe Philadelphia can squeeze a victory out here. Relying heavily on their speed at WR, the Philadelphia Eagles should hang on for their fifth consecutive opening day victory, however, the score will likely be far closer than Eagles fans had initially expected.