NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions will open their 2022 NFL seasons as opponents. The Eagles are coming off an 8-9 record and a playoff berth while the Lions finished the 2021 season with a 3-13 record. The Eagles decided to retool their roster with big off-season additions while the Lions took their rebuild efforts the way of the draft. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in their Week 1 matchup.
Eagles Offense vs. Lions Defense
What will Jalen Hurts do? That’s the main question heading into the 2022-23 NFL season. Hurts and the offense are looking to have a field day against a Lions’ defense that finished last season ranked 24th in Passing Yards allowed and 26th in Passing TDs allowed. For the Birds, it has always been about the ground attack. After ending the 2021 season ranked 1st in that department, they will look to keep the trend going against the Lions who finished the season allowing the 28th most rushing yards in the NFL. The Eagles will have a new look on offense with AJ Brown teaming with 2nd-year player DeVonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert.
The big concern for the Lions’ defense is putting pressure on Hurts. Last season, the Lions finished the year with just 30 sacks and will need to find a way to get pressure on the elusive Hurts. If they can force Hurts into 3rd and longs, they have a shot at containing this offense. The Lions shored up their defensive front with the selection of Aidan Hutchinson to pair with Charles Harris. Although it’s just the season’s first game, it’s a good test for this young Lions’ defense.
Eagles Defense vs Lions Offense
The defense was easily their weakest link last season. Injuries and inconsistent play cost the team a few wins in 2021. This year, Howie Roseman came in with a plan to fine-tune a few positions. The frontline was beefed up with the drafting of Jordan Davis. They finished last season with just 29 sacks and will need to find a way to get to the QB often. The Lions surrendered 36 sacks last season so, the Eagles could have a good day against their offensive line. Another thing to look out for is the secondary. Jared Goff, if given time can still find the open receiver. Roseman spent a good portion of their offseason giving the secondary a facelift with the additions of Chauncey Gardner-Webb, Jaquiski Tartt, and James Bradberry.
The Lions are searching for an identity on offense as well. Goff was given the keys to a team that lacked offensive leadership in 2021. And this season, he has a few pieces that could push the offense to great heights. Going against this revamped Eagles defense will be a good test early on. The addition of DJ Chark will give Goff another weapon on the outside to pair with Amon-Ra. St Brown and the sure-handed TE, T.J. Hockenson. D’Andre Swift and Jaamal Williams will spearhead the ground game as they look to build on a solid 2021 season. They will look to gain yards against an Eagles defense ranked 9th in Rushing Yards allowed.
Game Prediction
The Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions squared off last season in Week 8 where the Eagles had their way en route to a 44-6 victory. Jalen Hurts passed for just 114 yards on the day but the Eagles rushing attack accounted for 236 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Lions couldn’t get much done as the Eagles’ defense racked up 4 sacks that day. Can the Lions’ defense put the clamps and the Eagles’ offense? Will the defense have another stellar game against the Lions’ offense?
Both teams will enter this game with new looks on both sides of the ball. With the Eagles entering the year with Super Bowl hopes, many expect this to get out of hand early. The Eagles have the better team on paper. We should expect the Philadelphia Eagles to come out victorious in their Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
